1. Patients should eat more foods that are easy to digest, light and non-greasy. These foods can replenish the nutrients lost by the body and help improve the patient’s appetite, which benefits recovery. Examples include vegetable soup, thin porridge, milk, rice congee, millet porridge, and fresh vegetables—light, easy-to-digest options.

 

2. It is also important to ensure adequate fluid intake. During the flu, the body loses a significant amount of water, and appetite is often poor. Therefore, attention should be paid to fluid replenishment and to foods that can help stimulate appetite. Drinking plain water, as well as acidic fruit juices such as orange juice, hawthorn juice, and watermelon juice, is recommended.

 

3. Spicy and irritating foods, as well as certain seasonings, should be avoided. These may worsen coughing, increase phlegm production, and aggravate nasal congestion—all of which are harmful to the respiratory mucosa and may delay recovery. Foods to avoid include chili peppers, pepper, mustard, curry powder, and other stimulating seasonings.

 

Note: Key points to keep in mind during vaccination: 1) Avoid vaccination on an empty stomach; 2) Remain under observation for 20 minutes after vaccination; 3) Report any adverse reactions to the vaccinator; 4) The influenza vaccine must be administered annually.