In general, the important thing is to make sure you wash regularly and do not share towels or sheets with those who are sick without washing them first. Remember, the virus is killed by hot temperatures, so if you do clean your sheets and towels, use the hot temperature setting instead of warm.
Fever—Fevers fight influenza viruses. Because viruses are sensitive to temperature changes and cannot survive above normal body heat, your body uses fever to help destroy them. Muscle Aches and Pain—You may experience sore muscles with the flu as it is also a product of your body's immune response.
The CDC recommends baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza). The drugs work best when you get them within 48 hours of your first symptoms. They may shorten the time you are sick and make your symptoms milder if you take the medicine early on.
By contrast, influenza viruses, which infect the whole body, grow best at temperatures slightly below body temperature, and at 40° C they will die off after 12-24 hours.
Flu viruses in droplets can survive in the air for several hours, and lower temperatures increase their survival rate, according to the National Health Service of England. NHS officials say flu viruses don't last long on hands, falling to low levels within about five minutes.
People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby (usually within about 6 feet away) or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
"If you, your partner or your child has been ill, toss your sheets into the wash immediately to kill any lingering germs. Viruses, such as those that cause flu, colds and stomach bugs, can linger on soft surfaces like bedding for up to 12 hours.”
Low temperatures can increase the likelihood of getting sick. The body is not as effective at fighting a virus when cold air enters the nose and upper airways, so viruses such as the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 often spread more easily in the winter.
On nonporous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic and glass, the virus can last up to 3 days in a typical indoor environment. On porous surfaces like cotton fabric, the survival time is shorter, up to a day.
The flu virus can live on clothing like gloves and scarves for two or three days, while diarrhea-causing viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus, may thrive for as many as four weeks.
Vitamin C does not prevent colds and only slightly reduces their length and severity. A 2013 review of scientific literature found that taking vitamin C regularly did not reduce the likelihood of getting a cold but was linked to small improvements in cold symptoms.
Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. Kids and people with weak immune systems may shed the virus even longer. The virus can be spread until symptoms disappear.
If you do get influenza, stay home, get lots of fluids and rest, and don't try to do too much too soon. If you notice flu symptoms early, ask your doctor about an antiviral drug like Tamiflu ; it's not a cure, but if taken early on it can shorten flu duration.
Antiviral drugs can help treat flu illness: Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Flu antivirals are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, intravenous solution, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.
The key to recovering from the flu as fast as possible is to get plenty of rest. By resting during the day, your body will be able to devote more resources to fighting the virus. Sleep is also important. Sleep gives your body the opportunity to focus on strengthening your immune system.
In general, with the common cold or flu, one or two days in bed should help to get you on the road to recovery. Some people find that even if they are still not feeling well after two days, getting out of bed and sitting in a chair can help recovery as the body gets back into a more normal rhythm.
Caffeine and alcohol can make your symptoms worse (especially stomach-related symptoms), so I'd recommend sipping on water and other clear liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
If you have a cold then you'd best stay indoors as the temperature drops because scientists have found keeping warm actually boosts your immune response.
Avoid Cold and Damp Environments
Although it's a myth that you'll get sick just from not bundling up when it's cold outside, it's true that bacteria and viruses thrive at cooler temperatures. So if you're fighting a bug, it's best to stay warm and dry.
If someone is ill, sheets, duvets and pillowcases should be washed immediately, as germs can spread or even enter the washing machine. In addition, the CDC says to wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
Cold symptoms usually begin 2 or 3 days after exposure to a source of infection. Most colds clear up within 1 week, but some last a bit longer.