Recognize Cold And Flu Symptoms During Cold And Flu Contagious Period: Nobody likes getting sick; it means days or weeks of feeling miserable, taking time off from work, not eating or sleeping right, and having to take disgusting concoctions in order to feel alright. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for the common cold, but there are a few ways to tell if a cold or flu might be in the cards for you. This won’t help you avoid all of the above mentioned negatives, but it can certainly give you time to prepare with some cozy blankets and pillows at the ready, a hot cup of tea, and the ability to warn your boss that you might be needing some time off in the near future.
Aches And Pain:
Among the many different symptoms that tend to appear near the beginning of a cold or the flu, aches, pains and chills tend to come first. This can mean feeling cold when others are fine, an achy head or sore eyes, or pain in muscles that shouldn’t be hurting. Often people assume that headaches and muscle pain are due to other things that have occurred throughout their day, and this may be true in some cases, but at other times it means that you’re about to get sick. A hot bath and some acetaminophen can help with the underlying aches, but it won’t stop a cold from coming.
Mucus Build Up:
If you’ve ever woken up with that uncomfortable stuffed up sensation in your nose, you can almost be sure that a cold or the flu is soon to follow. Some people get congested throughout their nasal passages as they sleep due to dehydration and different sleeping positions, but the number one cause of mucus build up and congestion tends to be colds. You’ll notice that the congested feeling may spread from only your nose to your nose, throat, and deep in your chest. This is where a cough might come into play and medicine may be required.
Irritation In Connected Regions:
Your ears, nose, and throat are all connected, so if you start feeling an itch or irritation in an ear or at the back of your throat then the rest of these passages could soon follow suit. A sore throat can occur with or without a cold, but if you feel a slight swelling and difficulty to swallow it could be that the flu is on its way. Go see a physician as soon as possible to make sure that it is a cold and not something more serious like strep throat or another infection, which will require antibiotics to relieve.
Weakness And Fatigue:
Perhaps one of the first signs that you will encounter when you begin getting sick is that dreadful feeling of fatigue as your body begins trying to fight back and regain its balance. Becoming sick can make you feel weak, tired, and completely drained, and unfortunately this symptom tends to last throughout the entire experience. Some cough and cold medicines include ingredients to help you shake this tiredness, but many people find the additives make them dizzy and shaky, so be cautious and follow your doctor’s orders.
