Why you shouldn’t ‘push through’ the flu

When you’re sick with the flu, it can be tempting to power through. Maybe you have a busy week at work, a family obligation or a long list of things that can’t wait.

But when it comes to influenza, pushing through isn’t a sign of strength—it can make recovery harder and put others at risk.

“The flu is more than just a bad cold,” says Dr. Mayuri Jagadish, a family medicine physician with Hoag Medical Group. “Your body requires time and energy to fight the infection, and resting is an important part of that process.”

Your body needs time to recover Influenza triggers an immune response that can leave you feeling exhausted, achy and feverish. Even after your fever breaks, your body may still be working to clear the virus.

“Trying to maintain your normal schedule can make it harder to get the sleep and hydration your body needs,” says Dr. Jagadish. “You may also find that symptoms linger longer when you return to your usual activities too quickly.”

But rest doesn’t necessarily mean staying in bed all day. It means listening to your body, getting plenty of sleep, drinking fluids and giving yourself permission to slow down while you recover.

You could spread the flu to someone more vulnerable One of the biggest reasons to stay home when you have the flu is to protect the people around you.

“Influenza spreads easily through respiratory droplets and particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes,” says Dr. Jagadish. “You may be contagious before you realize you’re sick, and you can continue spreading the virus for several days after symptoms begin.”

That means going into the office, attending social gatherings or sending children to school while sick can expose people who may be more likely to develop serious complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with certain chronic health conditions.

If you have the flu, staying home isn’t just about your own recovery. It’s a way to help protect your family, coworkers and community.

“Just getting through the day” can mask how sick you really are Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can change over the course of an illness. Taking medication to temporarily lower a fever or relieve aches may make you feel better, but it doesn’t mean your body has finished fighting the infection.

Pay attention to how you actually feel rather than using symptom relief as a signal that you’re ready to resume your normal routine.

“As you start feeling better, ease back into your activities gradually,” says Dr. Jagadish. “If normal activities leave you unusually exhausted, that may be a sign that you need more time to recover.”

When the flu needs medical attention Most people recover from the flu without complications. But influenza can sometimes lead to more serious problems, including pneumonia and other respiratory complications.

Seek prompt medical care if you develop symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or pressure

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Confusion, dizziness or difficulty staying awake

• Severe weakness or unsteadiness

• Signs of dehydration, such as very little urination

• Symptoms that improve but then suddenly become worse

People at higher risk for flu complications, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with certain chronic medical conditions, should contact their health care provider early if they develop flu symptoms. Antiviral medications may be recommended and work best when started early in the illness.

Give yourself permission to rest It’s understandable to feel like you must keep going, even when you’re sick, but the flu is your body’s way of telling you to slow down.

Instead of trying to power through, prioritize sleep, fluids, nutritious foods and time away from your usual responsibilities. Stay home while you’re sick and take reasonable precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.

You may not be able to control when the flu knocks you out, but giving your body the time it needs to recover can help you get back on your feet quickly and safely.

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