7 flu-fighting items to keep at home as the season heats up

With the flu spreading around Delaware earlier than usual, seven things will make your life easier if you get hit at home.

The state has already confirmed six cases of the flu this season, including in a 5-year-old child. The 2018-2019 season is expected to be milder than last year, which was the deadliest season since the state began keeping records in 2004. 

Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue, experts say. Those who have the flu should stay home from work and social gatherings until their fever is gone for at least 24 hours. 

Local physicians recommended Delawareans stock up on these items in the event they get the flu this year — but all physicians recommend residents first get their flu shot.

Thermometer

When calling the doctor's office, patients should be prepared to tell the physician their temperature.

Saying you feel "warm" or "hot" won't cut it, said Dr. William Funk, a Newark family medicine doctor. He finds that most of his patients don't know their temperature is because they don't own a thermometer. 

[Last year's flu season:These 3 Delawareans thought they had a mild case of the flu. They were wrong.]

By knowing the specific degree, it can indicate to physicians how sick a person is and if they need to make the trip to the doctor's office, Funk said. 

For those who have mild symptoms, Funk recommends taking your temperature once or twice a day. Those who feel quite sick should do it a handful of times.

And parents: Make sure you have a kid-friendly thermometer, Funk said.  

Tea + honey

Drinking tea and honey when sick can be just as effective as cough medications, Funk said. It also helps keep you hydrated.

Children under 12 months should not receive honey because it can lead to botulism, doctors said. Honey contains a bacterium that can be harmful to a baby's not-yet- developed digestive system. 

Over-the-counter medications

Wilmington-based pediatrician Dr. Robert Walter warns against giving children aspirin when they have the flu because it has been linked to Reye's syndrome. The rare disease causes swelling in the liver and brain. 

Funk said data has shown that over-the-counter medicine, like cough syrup, does not help most sick children under the age of 6.  

For adults, Mucinex, Robitussin, Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be helpful. 

At the end of the day, nothing will work as well as sleep, Walter said. 

"It's like the truck went over you," he said. "It's time and it's rest."

Tissues

This may seem like an obvious one, but you rarely have too many tissues — especially if you have a runny nose.

And it's a fact you often don't realize that until it's too late and your only choices are toilet paper, paper towels — or a trip to the store while you're feeling rotten.

Stock up on Pedialyte

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects when fighting the flu, but it's important people choose the right kind of liquids, Funk said. 

Generally, people should opt for clear liquids, like water and flat ginger ale. Funk recommends stocking up on Pedialyte, which helps keep you hydrated and replenishes nutrients and electrolytes. 

[Flu prevention demands take-no-prisoners attitude]

Walter said performance drinks, like Gatorade, can help in some cases, like if a person has symptoms of a cold or a migraine.

Cool humidifiers

Walter recommends parents buy cool humidifiers — not warm ones. 

A humidifier can make it easier to breathe when sick since it moisturizes the air, helping ease one's congestion. But warm vaporizers can promote mold if not cleaned properly, Walter said. 

And be careful where you put them. 

The doctor has had patients who tripped over humidifiers in the middle of the night, burning themselves as a result. 

Soup, soup and more soup

When you're sick, the last thing you're going to want to eat is steak dinner leftovers. 

It's important to eat foods that are easily digestible — and often times the best option is chicken noodle soup. Both Walter and Funk said studies have shown that chicken noodle soup has "medicinal-like qualities." 

Vegetarians should opt for broth-based soups, Walter said. 

When in doubt, avoid buying anything "fatty and spicy," Funk said. Toast and crackers are also good options.

"It's not the time to go through the McDonald's drive through," he said. 

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Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman.