You may have heard everyone talking about this year's flu
season, but you might not give it another thought unless you
actually get the flu. If you do get sick, knowing what to do can
help you feel better faster. Try these tips if you get the flu:
Drink lots of fluids. Juice, water, and soup are great ways to
get fluids in. But avoid caffeinated drinks, which won't hydrate
you as well. Get lots of sleep and take it easy. This is a great
time to chill with your favorite DVDs without your mom or dad
asking you to help out around the house! Take acetaminophen or
ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches. Over-the-counter cold or
cough medicines may also relieve some flu symptoms. Avoid taking
aspirin, though, unless your doctor says it's OK. Aspirin can
put teens at greater risk of developing Reye syndrome, a serious
illness that sometimes follows infection with the flu virus.
Wear layers. You might be cold one minute and hot the next, and
wearing several layers — like a T-shirt, sweatshirt, and robe —
makes it easy