Improving health after flu

[Temporaryanonymity]

I've had a nasty dose of the flu and I am feeling run down. What can I do to improve my health after illness? I'm generally feeling a bit weak (I'm still ill really) and exhausted.

No cod liver oil please, which is what my grandmother would have recommended.

I'm in the same boat, following with interest. Will def. cut my drinking following this, also lost a few pounds during the illness and I very much intend to keep that up. I'm weak as a kitten!

Sorry you had it too! I don't really drink but my caffeine consumption has fallen dramatically so I will stay off that.

I would stay off caffeine and try to cut out dairy, too, for a short while. Floradix supplements might help, alongside multivitamins.

Lots of sunlight, fresh fruit and veg, no takeaways and junk for a while, your body needs to heal with good foods. Early nights, gentle exercise and fresh air.

What's the thinking behind dairy avoidance? That's a new one on me!

I think I feel better for ditching coffee though.

I really rate the Vitabotics Feroglobin vitamin tonic, it contains iron, and lots of vitamins and minerals. It really gives me a boost and always take it after I've been ill for a week or two.
It's sold in Holland and Barrett, and some supermarkets or online.

Thanks. Ive just ordered some. I would much prefer to recuperate by the sea like an Edwardian lady. Sadly, I need to go to work.

For me its vit c 1000mg daily. Since taking it i haven't even had a cold for 5 years. I take the effervescent tabs in water

And vit B6. I had flu early in the year and have just been to get the jab for this season because I really don't want it again.

Rest is the most important thing.

I also drink loads of green tea and nettle tea. Both are full of antioxidants. I guarantee they boost your immune system.

Work to your limitations - you have to, otherwise you'll end up ill again. I was hospitalised after a bad reaction to noro last week and I'm doing bits and bobs of housework now but I am taking it super easy and playing the long game because I can feel I'm not right yet. I have to go to work but I don't have to run myself ragged.
It's frustrating but it's not worth taking risks with your health.
Flu takes it out of you! I'm taking vitamins and probiotics now.

Vitamin D and rest. Even if you think you can't or you don't need to, please rest as often and as much as possible. Try to relax and not get stressed by things.

Cfs/me can sometimes be triggered by a virus (one of the cause theories anyway.) and it's not worth taking the risk with that, trust me. It's very good that you're taking your health seriously. I hope you feel much better soon.

I take the following daily supplements... zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, omega 3, multivits, evening primrose oil as well as iron. Avoiding dairy helps to stop mucus production I think... eat proper nourishing food (soups/salad/stews) avoid drinking too much alcohol, and get enough rest. I go to bed about the same time as my daughter (4) a few nights a week so I catch up on sleep. Hope this helps! Oh a bit of gentle exercise- walking for thirty minutes during my lunch break most days to get fresh air and daylight on my face helps too!

How does avoiding milk products help to stop mucus production. Mucus isn't made of milk.

My GP did sign me off work for a fortnight. I am in two minds about it actually; on one hand she seems sensible and she obviously thinks I need it but I'm also a bit worried about missing work.

I think if I can use next week to actively recuperate I will feel less like I am skiving.

It's been bit of a wake up call actually. I'm a single parent, work full time and obviously I need to take better care of myself!

Just thought I would update. I had some tests and my thyroid levels are abnormal so I'm guessing that means hypothyroidism. I guess that would explain my fatigue!

Googling lifestyle changes...

I'm sorry to hear it OP. How did you think to ask for those tests?

vanellope, I went to the GP and presented her with my myriad symptoms and she decided to do a load of tests. Thyroid was one; she added iron and B12 when I mentioned i'd had v heavy periods and a B12 deficiency in the past.

She did a stool sample too because I've had diarrhoea for nearly two weeks. This has also come back abnormal and we have a telephone consultation booked for tomorrow.

Best of luck, well done for getting on it.

Exercise.

Wash your hands frequently, especially whenever you come back indoors, I've picked up far fewer bugs and colds since I made this part of getting back indoors routine, like putting the kettle on.

Yes; exercise.

Right now I am utterly exhausted and the most I can face is walking. I have got some resistance bands so tomorrow I will start with some walking and if I feel ok, the bands. I am aiming to do at least ten minutes a day. That doesn't sound like much but today all I did was drive my children to school and back, cook a soup a nap for anhour.

Seriously the best way to overcome post viral,fatigue is exercise. Walking is good.

You need rest, not exercise, when you're recovering from a virus. Don't push yourself unnecessarily.
You're not signed off work to exercise, you're signed off to rest.
After I had flu earlier in the year it was a couple of weeks before I could even walk all the way upstairs without stopping for a rest, I couldn't unload the dishwasher without getting out of breath. No way did I need exercise. I needed rest