The flu is a viral infection caused by the infleunza virus. It is associated with symptoms like sore throat, coughing, fever or runny nose, which can be very uncomfortable and interfere with your daily routine.
Flu treatment usually involves rest and hydration at home, but you can also take medications as directed by a doctor to relieve discomfort.
In some cases, you may be able to speed-up the duration of your flu, by gargling warm water and salt, for example, or applying a warm compress to achy muscles.
How to fight the flu
Some tips for curing the flu at home include:
1. Resting
Resting is essential for reducing cold and flu symptoms. It allows the body to conserve energy and put it toward fighting infection. Participating in physical activity while you are sick and decrease your body’s natural defenses and increase the risk for transmitting the infection to other people
2. Drinking plenty of fluid
Fluids, particularly water, are very important if the flu infection is causing a fever, as fevers may lead to dehydration. Fluids like fresh fruit juices, teas, smoothies and soups can also help to replenish any losses and keep you nourished when appetite is low.
3. Using medications as prescribed
Flu infections that present with many symptoms may be treated with medication, like aspirin or ibuprofen. These are usually recommended by a doctor to relieve specific symptoms and speed-up recovery.
Check-out the most common flu medications that the doctor may prescribe to help treat an influenza virus.
4. Gargling with water and salt
Warm water and salt gargles can help to decrease throat inflammation or discomfort associated with the flu. Gargles can also help to remove mucus that is trapped in throat. Learn about other sore throat remedies you can use to decrease irritation or scratchiness.
5. Increasing air humidity
Increasing air humidity in the room can help decrease discomfort from coughing and dryness within the nose. You can turn on a humidifier or simply place a bowl of water in a room. See other ways you can treat a stuffy nose at home naturally.
6. Using a hot water bottle
Some people may report muscle aches during their flu infection. Applying a hot water bottle to sore muscles can relieve discomfort by promoting vasodilation and muscle relaxation.
7. Performing nasal irrigation
Performing a nasal irrigation with saline can help to remove mucus in the nose which may be contributing to headaches and a stuffy nose. Persistent mucus in the nose can also lead to sinusitis. Read more about how to perform a nasal irrigation at home with a few simple tools.
