Some facets of being an adult aren’t so amazing, and taking care of yourself when being sick is definitely one of them. But make sure when your teenagers leave home, they should feel confident and know how to take care of themselves when they get sick.
The first step is prevention, getting a flu shot, washing hands frequently, and trying to keep yourself safe to avoid and stay away from sick people. But if you’re worried about your teen being sick in hostels or college. Here is some advice for your teens to share with your teens to take care of themselves.
How to deal when Sick
If you have the flu:
Symptoms may include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, chills, and feeling run down.
- Stay home and avoid meeting others.
- Stay hydrated with broth, water, or sports drinks.
- Never take aspirin for flu and viral infection, as it may cause Reye’s syndrome (a severe condition that causes swelling of the brain and liver).
- Wait for at least 24 after the fever abates to restart your routine.
If you have a cold:
- Get that phlegm out instead of sniffing it back in.
- Frequently blow your nose.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Take a hot shower; it helps clear your sinuses.
- Gargle with lukewarm salt water to temporarily relieve a scratchy throat or sore.
- If you need to stay awake, Choose non-drowsy daytime cold medicine and take nighttime when you want to sleep. (Warning: Taking non-drowsy medications at night can affect sleep.)
If you have a fever:
- Always keep a thermometer at your place so you can determine whether your temperature is normal (98.6° F) or above.
- Take acetaminophen and ibuprofen and rest; it can lower your fever.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you have chills, a lukewarm shower (NOT an ice-cold bath) can lower it.
- Warning: Call if you experience a rapid onset of fever and severe pain when bending your neck forward. And if fever spikes above 103° F and does not respond to medication.
If you have menstrual cramps:
- Perhaps, exercise the only thing you want to do, but it releases endorphins and reduces pains.
- An electric heating pad or hot compresses applied to your lower abdomen can give some relief from cramps.
- Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can decrease uterine muscle contractions and leg, muscle, and back pain.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration and worsen the situation.
If you have food poisoning:
- Eating spoiled or contaminated food can cause food poisoning. The most obvious symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Keep your body well-hydrated to get rid of bacteria with water, sports drinks, or ice chips with electrolytes.
- In this situation, sleep is the best solution.
- Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium can control suppress nausea and diarrhea.
- Avoid dairy products, which can disturb and irritate your stomach.
- Stick to bland meals and eat small portions.
- Individuals being sick with critical food poisoning cases may need hydration with intravenous (IV) fluids at a hospital.
