As someone who works in the service industry, you’re no stranger to the hustle and bustle of the industry. Long hours, tight schedules, and close proximity to coworkers and customers can make you particularly vulnerable to the common cold and flu during their respective seasons. These ailments can lead to achy, feverish symptoms, which can be disruptive to your work routine. While getting a flu vaccination and maintaining excellent hand hygiene are essential precautions, it’s important to understand that they are not foolproof measures to keep you illness-free. In case you do fall sick, it’s crucial to distinguish between cold and flu symptoms and know how to alleviate your discomfort.
Recognizing and Managing Cold Symptoms
Colds typically kick off with a scratchy throat, and by the fourth or fifth day, you’ll likely find yourself dealing with a stuffy or runny nose and an annoying cough. If you have children, be aware that they may also develop a fever.
To cope with a cold, over-the-counter decongestants, pain relievers, and fever reducers can offer relief. However, if your symptoms persist for a week without improvement, consider reaching out to Teladoc for guidance to rule out sinus infections or allergies.
Identifying and Addressing Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can be far more intense and debilitating. They often include a sore throat, cough, muscle aches, headache, high fever (typically reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), and congestion. The flu can even cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, flu-related weakness and fatigue can persist for up to three weeks, significantly impacting your ability to work.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced service industry, staying healthy is of utmost importance. By understanding the differences between cold and flu symptoms and their respective treatments, you can better manage your health, minimize disruptions to your work routine, and protect yourself and your coworkers from the spread of illness. Don’t forget to practice good hygiene and consider getting a flu vaccination to reduce your risk of falling sick in the first place. Your well-being is essential for providing quality service to your customers.
FREE Membership for 3 Months to Stay Healthy this Cold and Flu Season
If you or your loved ones have any cold or flu symptoms this season, ServSafe Benefits can help you feel better. For a limited time, you can gain free access to 24/7 virtual doctor appointments by Teladoc. You can also save up to 80% off prescription medication at over 84,000 pharmacies. Take advantage of a free ServSafe Benefits membership.
ServSafe Benefits is a hospitality hub built for industry workers.
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