5 Things You Need to Know About the Flu

The flu is the worst. It always happens the day before the huge test that you know you have to ace – and it feels as if there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. You’re achy, you’re exhausted, and you feel as if you can barely breathe. Here are 5 things you should know about the flu to hopefully make you more prepared to beat the horrible bug.

1. The Flu Vaccine Doesn’t Always Work

You should always get your flu shot. However, it only protects against three strains of influenza – and there are more than three in the environment around you. Even if you get a different strain other than what’s in the vaccine, the vaccine will still reduce the duration of infection and the symptoms associated…so it’s still suggested to get the shot.

2. You May Not Get all the Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the flu are: aches, chills, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and runny/stuffy nose. However, your body may react differently than other people. Make sure to pay attention to the symptoms that you do have and treat them accordingly. Also, pay attention to if your symptoms get worse to the point where you may need to seek medical attention.

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3. Antibiotics Do Not Work

Antibiotics only target bacteria by preventing the crosslinking of peptidoglycan – essential to the bacterial cell wall. Neither viruses nor human cells need peptidoglycan. The only medicine a doctor can prescribe for the flu is a group called antivirals – but they’re only helpful when symptoms have been present for less than 2 days. Not to mention that your body naturally heals itself, so you should be better in about a week. Antibiotics helps to tame some of the uncomfortable symptoms that a flu gives you, but not completely get rid of them!

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4. The Best Cure is Sleep and Fluids

Nothing is worse than being sick in college, especially if you’re in hard classes that you can’t afford to miss. Make sure to get extra sleep and try to drink as much water as possible. Tea with honey is great to soothe the throat, Gatorade can replenish possible lost electrolytes, and soup with spices (garlic, onion, etc.) can also help reduce mucus in the nose.

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5. Blow Your Nose!

I HATE blowing my nose in public. I personally feel disgusted when I know other people can hear me. However, keeping your nose stuffed makes you susceptible to sinus infections later down the road, which increases the amount of time you’re sick. So as much as the thought of it may make you cringe – blow away!