The Stages of Flu Recovery and How to Speed it Up
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that typically affects your throat, nose, and lungs. The flu impacts millions of people yearly, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Today, we will discuss the three main stages of flu: incubation period, acute illness, and recovery. Each step of the flu recovery timeline contains slightly different symptoms, which may help you know what you should do to best care for yourself throughout the illness, and when you should seek medical care.
The Stages of Flu Recovery
The stages of the flu serve as a roadmap for what people can expect from the moment they are first exposed to the virus up through recovery.
Stage 1: Incubation period
The incubation period of the flu describes the period between exposure to the virus and developing flu symptoms. The incubation time can vary slightly from person to person, but the general incubation period for the flu is between one and four days, with the average being two days.
Many factors can determine the length of the incubation period, such as:
- The concentration and amount of the virus contracted
- The way that the virus enters the body
- The pre-existing immunity of a person (i.e. if a person is immunocompromised, if they have had a flu vaccine, etc,.)
Symptoms may start gradually over a day or two. Symptoms may include:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Stage 2: Acute illness
The acute illness phase is when you’re in the heart of the sickness. You may still experience all of the classic flu symptoms that started during the incubation period, or you may develop additional symptoms during this time. Typically, the symptoms last for two or three days, but some severe coughs may linger for several weeks.
Stage 3: Recovery
During recovery, your body is in the healing process. For some people, the recovery stage starts around day six of the illness but may take up to two weeks, depending on the severity of your condition. Most of your symptoms should have subsided, but you may have some lingering mild symptoms. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are still critical to help you regain health.
How to Speed up Flu Recovery
The recovery time can vary for each person based on their immune system and the severity of the condition. Fortunately, you can do a few things to promote a faster recovery time.
Rest
Your body requires rest for recovery. You may have small bursts of energy at different stages of flu recovery, but remember that you’re still sick and need to ease back into physical activity. Some people struggle to rest enough, especially during the last stage of flu recovery.
If you have trouble getting enough rest while sick with the flu, here are some helpful tips for getting enough rest:
- Sleep alone so that you can get comfortable without disturbing someone or potentially getting them sick.
- Prop yourself up so that you can breathe better and reduce coughing.
- Eat or drink something warm to help soothe your throat.
- A steamy shower or a hot bath to relax your body.
- Take flu medication to relieve symptoms long enough to fall asleep.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can cause sleep disruption and can slow down your recovery
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated when you are sick with the flu is one of the most effective pathways to your body’s recovery. However, dehydration is your adversary when battling the flu. You may not feel like drinking, so you may have to get a little creative to stay hydrated.
Tips for staying hydrated when you are sick with the flu:
- Keep a bottle of water nearby to sip throughout the day
- Try other clear liquids such as broth or sports drinks
- Use a straw or squeeze bottle if you’re too weak to drink
- Consider setting a timer to ensure that you remember to drink
- Sip soup for hydration and calories
- Eat ice chips or popsicles
Manage Symptoms
Effectively managing your flu symptoms allows your body to recover as the virus runs its course through your body. While you still may not feel your best, managing the symptoms can help you get some much-needed rest.
Some general symptom management tips include:
- Take over-the-counter medications to relieve fever, cough, and congestion
- Suse a humidifier to help keep nasal passages open and reduce coughing
- Cough drops to help soothe the throat and reduce coughing
- Get plenty of rest to help with recovering from flu fatigue
- Stay hydrated
Medications
There are currently four FDA-approved medications for the flu. Each of these medications requires a prescription from a doctor.
- Tamiflu®
- Relenza®)
- Rapivab®)
- Xofluza®
In addition to these, over-the-counter cold and flu medications, anti-inflammatories, throat lozenges, and other home remedies can also help alleviate your symptoms.
Recovery IV Treatment
A Recovery IV Treatment may promote a faster flu recovery time. The ingredients found in this treatment include:
- B-Complex Vitamins: Boosts the body’s defense systems
- Vitamin B12: Helps balance immune responses1 and improves defense against viral infection.
- Vitamin C: May help reduce the duration of the illness
- Magnesium: Helps the body fight infection by boosting immune function
- Lipostat (MIC): Helps boost energy levels
- Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that helps remove excess free radicals and supports immune health
As you can see, the benefits of the vitamins and minerals found in the Recovery IV Treatment may help the reducing symptoms and help get you back to feeling your best.
Conclusion
Understanding what the body goes through during each stage can help you better prepare for treatments that can help you feel better. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and understanding your recovery strategy are the ideal ways to recover and heal your body when you are sick with the flu.
Flu is a virus that people face throughout the year, and one of the most effective prevention strategies is by getting a flu vaccine. Speak with your doctor to learn more about the flu shot’s benefits and other prevention methods that can help you stay healthy.
In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration
Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.
You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!
Recovery IV - Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in our Recovery IV treatment?
Our Recovery IV Treatment contains B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Lipostat Plus and Glutathione Push.
How does a Recovery IV treatment speed up flu recovery?
Recovery IV treatments can help speed up the recovery from the flu by providing the body with essential fluids, electrolytes, and medications that can help reduce symptoms and support the immune system. The fluids can help to hydrate the body and replace any fluids that may have been lost due to vomiting or diarrhea, while the electrolytes can help to balance the levels of minerals in the body and support proper muscle and nerve function. The medications provided through the IV can help to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as support the immune system in fighting off the flu virus.
How does a Recovery IV treatment help post workout muscle recovery?
Recovery IV treatments can help with post-workout muscle recovery by providing the body with essential fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients that can support the muscle repair and rebuilding process. The fluids can help to hydrate the body and replace any fluids that may have been lost through sweat during the workout, while the electrolytes can help to balance the levels of minerals in the body and support proper muscle function. The nutrients provided through the IV, such as amino acids and vitamins, can help to support the muscle repair and rebuilding process and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.
How does a Recovery IV treatment help athletes perform at their best?
Recovery IV treatments can help athletes perform at their best by providing the body with essential fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients that can support the body's natural recovery processes and improve physical performance. The fluids help hydrate the body, while the electrolytes can help to bring back the balance of minerals in the body and support proper muscle and nerve function. The nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins, can help to support muscle repair and rebuilding, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, and support the immune system.
Why is Glutathione included in our recovery IV treatment?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced by the body and is essential for supporting various physiological processes, including immune function and detoxification. It is particularly helpful for recovery because it can support the body's natural ability to fight off infections and reduce inflammation, as well as help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, glutathione can support the liver in its detoxification processes, which can be beneficial for people who have been exposed to toxins or who have compromised liver function.
Why is a Recovery IV better than Orally taken alternatives?
Recovery IV treatments may be considered better than orally taken alternatives in some situations because the fluids, electrolytes, and medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV, allowing them to be absorbed more quickly and effectively by the body. This can be especially beneficial in situations where the person is unable to take fluids or medications orally due to nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues. Additionally, IV treatments can provide a higher concentration of fluids and medications than what can be taken orally, which can be beneficial in supporting the body's natural recovery processes and reducing symptoms.
How does a Recovery IV treatment help postoperative recovery?
Recovery IV treatments can help with postoperative recovery by giving the body the important fluids, electrolytes and medications to assist the body's natural healing processes and lower the risk of complications. The electrolytes can promote healthy muscle and nerve function while the fluids can aid to hydrate the body and replenish any fluids that may have been lost as a result of surgical operations. The drugs given through the IV can support the immune system in fending off any potential germs or viruses, as well as aid to lessen discomfort, inflammation, and the risk of infection.
What is Lipostat Plus and why is it included in our Recovery IV treatment?
Lipostat is made up of a mixture of nutrients known as lipotropics that are intended to promote fat reduction. The liver breaks down fat and bile when these vitamins and amino acids are given to the body. This approach improves liver health and helps prevent conditions like cirrhosis.
