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The flu causes weakness due to increased immune system activity, dehydration, and lack of nutrition. Rest, fluids, and small meals can help combat weakness. Getting the annual flu shot can prevent future illness.
Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a viral disease that attacks the respiratory system, causing symptoms similar to those experienced during a cold, but much more serious and annoying. During a bout of the flu, most people are afflicted with a feeling of weakness which is usually the result of increased activity of the body’s immune system combined with dehydration and lack of proper nutrition. While there is no cure for this highly nasty virus, flu weakness can be combated by rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating small, easily digestible meals. To avoid the disease and its symptoms in the future, consider getting the annual flu shot.
When the flu virus invades your respiratory system, your body responds by sending your immune system into action to “turn off” the virus. While it might look like you’re doing nothing but lounging on the couch watching TV during the day, on the inside, your body is hard at work. Combined with this increased immune system activity is the fact that some flu symptoms, such as a cough, can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Together, these factors can leave your body feeling extremely weak.
One of the best ways to counter this weakness is to simply take it easy. Weakness and fatigue are signs that your immune system is working to make you feel better, so do your body a favor and don’t try to fight them off. Try to get plenty of sleep at night and avoid activity during the day as much as possible, resting and taking naps when you can. Don’t attempt to go to work or school during the height of your illness. By pushing yourself to continue your normal activities, you not only risk prolonging your symptoms, but you could also spread the virus to your coworkers or classmates.
The fever and runny nose that often accompany the flu can lead to dehydration, which can also contribute to fatigue. To combat dehydration, make sure you drink a variety of fluids while you’re sick. Hot beverages, such as green tea, can be soothing, while cold beverages, such as sports drinks or natural fruit juices, can replace some of the nutrients lost through sweating and mucus production.
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of the flu. However, skipping one meal after another can further contribute to flu weakness and should be avoided. While you may not feel hungry during your illness, try to keep fueling your body by consuming small portions of easy-to-digest foods throughout the day. These can include foods such as toast, broth-based soup, applesauce, or plain rice.
If you want to help prevent getting sick in the future, get the flu shot every year. Influenza vaccines are generally widely available in doctor’s offices and pharmacies in the United States. Vaccination is usually most effective when done in October or November, just before the annual flu season begins. While vaccination does not guarantee immunity from the flu, it is usually 70 to 90 percent effective.
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