Fever is the number one symptom for both illnesses. When we have a fever, our body temperature rises. Fluids help regulate body temperature. If we are dehydrated, it is easier to get a fever. The easiest way to monitor hydration status is by checking your urine. If your urine is dark, smelly or infrequent, you are very likely to be dehydrated and should increase fluids. You should pass urine every 3-4 hours. If you feel you are getting sick, do a hydration self-check and get at least 2-3 liters of water daily. If you do get a fever, drinking 16-32 oz Cerasport® or Cerasport EX1® can help hydrate and cool your body and break the fever. If you have chills and normally turn to soup, try our chicken broth Ceralyte 70® flavor. Mix one 10-gram stick in 7 ounces (200 ml) warm water and enjoy.
When we have a runny nose and sneeze constantly, we are losing fluids and electrolytes. Nasal mucus is salty. I am not going to quantify how much fluid you lose per blow, but you can probably prevent dehydration (and fever) by increasing your fluid intake with 16-32 oz of Cerasport or EX1 in addition to your water.
Did you know that diarrhea has twice the amount of sodium as sweat? This is why we dehydrate so quickly with diarrhea. Children are more susceptible to diarrhea with the flu. If your child has diarrhea, give him/her Ceralyte 50 or Ceralyte 70. Both are appropriate for use in children. Ceralyte 50 comes in a mixed berry flavor and Ceralyte 70 comes in lemon or chicken broth flavors. Drink 16-32 oz of Ceralyte 50® for a light case and Ceralyte 70 for a more severe case of diarrhea. Keep drinking Ceralyte until the diarrhea has subsided. Unlike most products targeted to sick children, all of Cera products have zero fructose and zero added sugar. We use rice instead of sugar! The Ceralyte 70 lemon comes in a convenient 8 ounce ready to drink container and they all come in 10-gram packets you mix with 7 ounces (200 ml) water that are easy to travel with.
Headache is a symptom of dehydration and is also common with the flu. Consume 16-32 oz Cerasport EX1 at the onset of a headache. Our EX1 comes in orange, lime and pomegranate flavors. Each stick mixes in 16 ounces (500 ml) water.
Now is a good time to reinforce good, flu preventing behaviors. Hydration is one of them. Aim for 2-3 liters of water daily. If you use a reusable water bottle, don’t forget to wash it, especially if you are sick! Carry hand sanitizer with you and always travel with your Cera!