How long should I stay in bed with cold, chesty cough and flu like symptoms?

I am sorry to hear that you have been unwell. In general, with the common cold or flu, one or two days in bed should help to get you on the road to recovery. Some people find that even if they are still not feeling well after two days, getting out of bed and sitting in a chair can help recovery as the body gets back into a more normal rhythm.

Taking a remedy such as echinacea for your severe cold or flu can of course help shorten the course of the illness, reducing symptoms by fighting the viruses and strengthening the immune system.

Don’t forget that you need to keep yourself hydrated – any fluid will be good, but the best is plain water. This is particularly so if you have a fever.

Don’t worry if your appetite is not good for a few days – for most of us, the body has sufficient reserves and this will soon recover as you get better.

Dr. Jen Tan