When you're feeling unwell, recovering quickly is the priority. However, certain habits might be making your symptoms worse. Steer clear of these common cold and flu mistakes to help speed up your healing process.

8 Common Mistakes That Could Be Making Your Cold or Flu Worse

1. Pushing Through Instead of Resting
   Trying to power through your daily routine while sick only drains your energy, making it harder for your body to fight off the virus. Give yourself permission to rest, cancel plans, and take a break from work or school—not just for your own recovery, but to prevent spreading germs to others.

2. Ignoring Flu Symptoms
   While a typical cold doesn’t require a doctor’s visit, flu symptoms like high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue might. If caught early (within the first 48 hours), antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) can help shorten the duration and severity of your illness.

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep
   Your immune system works best when you're well-rested. In fact, research shows that getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night makes you four times more likely to get sick. Prioritize sleep—go to bed early, take naps, and use remedies like honey or a humidifier to ease nighttime symptoms.

4. Asking for Antibiotics
   Antibiotics don’t work against viruses like the cold or flu, yet unnecessary prescriptions remain common. Overuse of antibiotics not only leads to side effects like stomach issues and allergic reactions but also contributes to antibiotic resistance—making infections harder to treat in the future.

5. Not Drinking Enough Fluids
   A sore throat or congestion might make drinking uncomfortable, but staying hydrated is key to thinning mucus, relieving headaches, and helping your body recover. Sip water throughout the day, or try warm drinks like herbal tea or broth, which may help ease symptoms.

6. Skipping Meals
   Even if you don’t feel hungry, your body needs fuel to fight off infections. Nutritious foods provide essential nutrients that support your immune system. If a big meal seems unappealing, opt for something light but nourishing—chicken soup, for example, has been shown to help with cold symptoms.

7. Smoking or Being Around Smoke
   Cigarettes and vape pens irritate your throat and lungs, making symptoms like coughing and congestion even worse. If you smoke, consider taking a break while you're sick, and avoid secondhand smoke to help your respiratory system recover faster.

8. Letting Stress Take Over
   Stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, which can make symptoms like a stuffy nose feel even worse. Give yourself permission to rest and relax—whether it’s watching a favorite show, meditating, or simply taking deep breaths—so your body can heal.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll give your body the best chance to recover quickly and feel better sooner