We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Counteract Flu Weakness?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 22,116
References
Share

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a viral illness that assaults the respiratory system, causing symptoms similar to those experienced during a cold, but far more severe and uncomfortable. During a bout of the flu, most people are plagued with a feeling of weakness that is usually the result of the body’s increased immune system activity combined with dehydration and lack of proper nutrition. While there is no cure for this highly unpleasant virus, flu weakness can be combated through rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating small, easily digestible meals. To avoid the illness and its symptoms in the future, consider getting an annual flu vaccination.

When the flu virus invades your respiratory system, your body responds by sending your immune system into action to “deactivate” the virus. While you may appear to be doing nothing more than lying on the couch watching daytime TV, on the inside your body is hard at work. Combined with this heightened immune system activity is the fact that some flu symptoms, such as coughing, may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Together, these factors can leave your body feeling extremely weak.

One of the best ways to counteract this weakness is to simply take it easy. Weakness and fatigue are signs that your immune system is working to make you better, so do your body a favor and do not try to fight them. Try to get plenty of sleep at night, and avoid activity as much as possible during the day, resting and taking naps when you can. Do not attempt to go to work or school during the height of your illness. By pushing yourself to continue your normal activities, you not only risk prolonging your symptoms, but you may also spread the virus to your co-workers or classmates.

The fever and runny nose that often accompany the flu can lead to dehydration, which can also contribute to fatigue. In order to combat dehydration, be sure to drink a variety of fluids throughout your illness. Warm beverages, such as green tea, can be soothing, while cold beverages, like sports drinks or natural fruit juices, can replace some of the nutrients lost through sweating and mucus production.

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of the flu. Skipping meal after meal can further contribute to flu weakness, however, and should be avoided. While you may not feel hungry during your illness, try to continue fueling your body by consuming small portions of foods that are easy on the stomach throughout the day. These may include foods like toast, broth-based soup, applesauce, or plain rice.

If you want like to help prevent getting sick in the future, then get vaccinated for the flu each year. Flu shots are generally widely available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies throughout the US. Vaccination is usually most effective when it is performed in October or November, shortly before the annual flu season begins. While vaccination does not guarantee immunity from the flu, it is generally 70 to 90% effective.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Rotergirl — On Jan 25, 2014

Flu fatigue is awful. Not many things are worse. As the article noted, staying hydrated is so important when suffering through the flu. Being dehydrated can lead to other unpleasant side effects, some of which may require a trip to the doctor.

Sometimes it's strong flavors that decrease appetite and the desire to drink. Gatorade G2 is lower in sugar and not as strongly flavored as other sports drinks, so it may be easier to tolerate. Chicken soup is a universal cure for everything, and it really is good for helping a person stay hydrated and nourished without causing an upset stomach.

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-can-i-counteract-flu-weakness.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.