Lots Of People Get The Flu, But What Do You Do?

Lots of people get the flu, but what do you do? Here are some tips:

Drink lots of liquids, like water, chicken broth, and other fluids.

Get plenty of sleep. If you can't sleep anymore, keep resting. Listen to music, watch a movie, or read a book or magazine.

If you're feeling achy, ask your parent for some medicine. But avoid aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome (say: ry sin-drome).

Wear layers. You might be cold one minute and hot the next, so if you wear plenty of layers you can pull your favorite sweatshirt on and off.

Wash your hands! You don't want to spread the germs that cause the flu. Also, don't share cups and eating utensils, like forks and spoons, with anyone.

Most of the time you will get better in about a week, but it's important to let your parents know if you have trouble breathing, your muscles really hurt, you feel confused, or if you start feeling worse at any time.

These could be signs that you need to see your doctor again.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007