5 Things Doctors Always Do After They Have The Flu

If you get sick, take these steps to feel better — and keep others around you safe.

Body aches, fever, chills and exhaustion are the unpleasant hallmarks of influenza, the common virus that infects millions of people in the United States each season.

Just like other seasonal viruses like norovirus and RSV, levels of the flu are high or very high in many parts of the country during this time of year. It’s unfortunately likely that you or a loved one will come face-to-face with influenza this season.

“We are right at the time of the year in which there’s a rapid rise in cases, certainly at the local level and the national level,” said Dr. Dawn Nolt, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Oregon Health and Science University.

Nolt added that cases of flu haven’t hit their peak yet, making it important to do what you can to stay healthy (like getting your flu shot and washing your hands thoroughly).

If you are one of the millions of people who come down with the flu this season, there are precautions you should take at the tail end of your infection to keep your loved ones healthy and yourself safe from other viruses. Below, doctors share what they personally do after they have the flu to protect themselves and others: