How to Get Over the Flu

Tap to Read ➤ Ratnashri Dutta

Flu or influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, that causes body temperature to rise. Symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, shivering, cough, and nasal blockage can be treated quickly, by taking medication, getting adequate amount of sleep, and keeping the body well hydrated. Read on for simple treatment options and important tips to consider.

Did You Know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu or influenza kills anywhere between 3,000 to 49,000 people every year in the United States.

Especially, children under 2 years of age, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with a weak immune system or with medical conditions like asthma, lung or heart disease are at a higher risk of suffering from flu or influenza complications.

People infected with the influenza or flu virus are generally advised to stay at home, avoid work or school, take adequate rest, sleep, and increase the intake of fluids, until the infection clears up.

However, some people may require medication to alleviate symptoms like headache, muscle pain, chest congestion, and fever. Be sure to consume medication only after consulting a medical practitioner.

Given here are some simple flu remedies and precautions, to consider and try out to get over the flu.

Treatment Options

✦ Drink plenty of water and other fluids like soups, fresh fruit juices, green tea, or sport drinks to keep yourself hydrated, and avoid overexertion. ✦ Consume more of citrus fruits, that are rich in vitamin C, or opt for vitamin C tablets. This will help the body fight the infection.

✦ One of the easiest and quickest remedy to clear the nasal passages, as well as the bronchial tract is steam therapy. Boil 1/2 a liter of water in a pot, add 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped ginger and 2 teaspoons of eucalyptus oil or Vicks VapoRub, whichever is available.

Now, cover a towel over your head, lean forward, and inhale the steam for about 10 to 15 minutes.

✦ If you want immediate relief, try saline nasal spray, which is very effective in preventing mucous buildup and clearing the nasal passage. They are easily available, and can be purchased at any drug or grocery store.

✦ Some infected individuals also suffer from a sore throat. For sore throat, try (warm) salt water gargling. Eat plenty of chicken soup or broth, as this could also help reduce the inflammation of the mucus membranes, and easily release thick mucus.

✦ Try to get plenty of sleep. Elevate your head with pillows, or place a humidifier in your room, as this will help you breathe and sleep easily.

Precautionary Measures

✔ Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with liquid hand wash, or use a hand sanitizer throughout the day, especially before meals and after using the washroom, and always use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief.

✔ The virus can be contagious a day or two before the symptoms develop, and can last up to seven days after the symptoms appear. So, it is important that you maintain good personal hygiene, by bathing in warm water, and prevent the virus from spreading.

✔ Alcohol, cigarettes or any other tobacco products must also be avoided at all costs, as they lower the immunity level, and put the body at major risk.

✔ Always consult a medical practitioner immediately, when your fever or cough worsens, and does not recede even after 3-5 days, or you have difficulty breathing and experience severe pain in your chest.

✔ As we all know, prevention is better than cure, so seek vaccines and antiviral, and do your best to prevent spreading the infection.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.