The flu, also called influenza, is a extremely contagious respiratory sickness attributable to influenza viruses. It might probably vary from gentle to extreme, and in some instances, can result in hospitalization and even demise. Whereas there isn’t a treatment for the flu, there are a selection of remedies that may assist relieve signs and velocity up restoration.
Prevention is one of the simplest ways to keep away from getting the flu. The flu vaccine is the best option to shield your self from the flu. It is suggested that everybody 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine yearly. Along with getting a flu vaccine, there are a selection of different issues you are able to do to assist stop the flu, similar to:
When you do get the flu, there are a selection of remedies that may assist relieve signs and velocity up restoration. These remedies embody:
Deal with the Flu
Relieve signs, velocity up restoration.
- Get loads of relaxation.
- Keep hydrated.
- Use over-the-counter medicines.
- Strive pure treatments.
- See a physician if signs are extreme.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
- Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your palms continuously.
By following the following tips, you may assist relieve signs, velocity up restoration, and stop the unfold of the flu.
Get loads of relaxation.
If you’re sick with the flu, your physique wants time to heal. Getting loads of relaxation helps your immune system combat off the virus and get better extra rapidly. Goal for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps throughout the day for those who can.
- Keep in mattress: If you’re sick, it is necessary to remain in mattress as a lot as attainable. This may make it easier to relaxation and get better, and it’ll additionally assist stop the unfold of the flu to others.
- Create a cushty surroundings: Be sure your bed room is darkish, quiet, and funky. Use a humidifier so as to add moisture to the air, which can assist soothe sore throats and coughs. Keep away from watching TV or utilizing digital gadgets earlier than mattress, because the blue gentle emitted from these gadgets can intervene with sleep.
- Keep away from caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can each intervene with sleep. Keep away from these substances within the hours main as much as bedtime.
- Strive leisure strategies: When you’re having bother falling asleep, attempt some leisure strategies, similar to deep respiratory workouts, meditation, or yoga.
By following the following tips, you will get the remainder you’ll want to get better from the flu extra rapidly.
Keep hydrated.
If you’re sick with the flu, it is necessary to remain hydrated. Fluids assist to loosen mucus, soothe sore throats, and stop dehydration. Goal to drink 8-10 glasses of fluids per day, similar to water, juice, or soup.
- Water: Water is your best option for staying hydrated. It is calorie-free and helps to flush toxins out of your physique.
- Juice: Juice can be a very good supply of fluids, nevertheless it’s necessary to decide on 100% fruit juice with out added sugar. Keep away from fruit drinks and soda, as these are excessive in sugar and might really dehydrate you.
- Soup: Soup is a good way to remain hydrated and get some additional vitamins. Select soups which might be low in sodium and excessive in greens.
- Keep away from alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can each dehydrate you. Keep away from these substances if you’re sick with the flu.
By staying hydrated, you may assist your physique combat off the flu and get better extra rapidly.
Use over-the-counter medicines.
Over-the-counter medicines can assist to alleviate signs of the flu, similar to fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. Nevertheless, it is necessary to make use of these medicines solely as directed and to concentrate on their potential uncomfortable side effects.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a ache reliever and fever reducer. It’s protected for many adults and youngsters over the age of two.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Ibuprofen can also be a ache reliever and fever reducer. It’s protected for many adults and youngsters over the age of 6.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a ache reliever, fever reducer, and anti inflammatory. It isn’t beneficial for kids beneath the age of 19 or for individuals with sure medical circumstances, similar to abdomen ulcers or bleeding issues.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can assist to alleviate nasal congestion. They’re accessible in oral and nasal spray types.
- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants can assist to scale back coughing. They aren’t beneficial for kids beneath the age of 6.
It is necessary to speak to your physician or pharmacist earlier than taking any over-the-counter medicines, particularly in case you have any underlying medical circumstances or are taking different medicines.
Strive pure treatments.
Along with over-the-counter medicines, there are a selection of pure treatments that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. These treatments are usually protected and efficient, nevertheless it’s necessary to speak to your physician earlier than making an attempt any of them, particularly in case you have any underlying medical circumstances.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may assist to combat off the flu virus. Take a spoonful of honey a number of instances a day, or add it to tea or scorching water.
- Garlic: Garlic is one other pure antiviral and antibacterial agent. Crush a garlic clove and blend it with honey or olive oil. Take this combination a number of instances a day.
- Echinacea: Echinacea is an herb that has been proven to spice up the immune system and scale back the severity of flu signs. Take echinacea dietary supplements on the first signal of flu signs.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may assist to spice up the immune system and scale back the severity of flu signs. Take vitamin C dietary supplements or eat meals wealthy in vitamin C, similar to oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries.
These are just some of the pure treatments that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. Speak to your physician earlier than making an attempt any of those treatments, particularly in case you have any underlying medical circumstances.
See a physician if signs are extreme.
Generally, the flu is a gentle sickness that may be handled at house with relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. Nevertheless, some persons are at larger danger of growing critical problems from the flu, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization. These individuals ought to see a physician as quickly as attainable in the event that they develop flu signs.
Signs that warrant a go to to the physician embody:
- Shortness of breath or issue respiratory
- Chest ache or tightness
- Confusion or delirium
- Extreme vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu signs that enhance after which return
- A excessive fever that lasts greater than 3 days
If in case you have any of those signs, see a physician instantly. Early analysis and therapy can assist to stop critical problems.
Even when you have no of those extreme signs, you must nonetheless see a physician for those who’re involved about your flu signs. Your physician can assist you establish the very best course of therapy and monitor your progress.
It is necessary to keep in mind that the flu could be a critical sickness, particularly for individuals with sure underlying medical circumstances. When you’re at excessive danger of growing problems from the flu, speak to your physician about getting a flu shot and taking different steps to guard your self from the flu.
Get a flu shot yearly.
The flu shot is one of the simplest ways to guard your self from the flu. It is protected and efficient, and it may assist to stop critical problems from the flu, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.
- The flu shot is beneficial for everybody 6 months of age and older. It is particularly necessary for people who find themselves at excessive danger of growing problems from the flu, similar to younger kids, pregnant ladies, individuals with persistent well being circumstances, and folks over the age of 65.
- The flu shot is obtainable at most physician’s workplaces, pharmacies, and well being clinics. It is usually given within the fall, earlier than the flu season begins.
- The flu shot is protected and efficient. It is constituted of inactivated flu viruses, which signifies that they can’t trigger the flu. The flu shot may cause some gentle uncomfortable side effects, similar to soreness, redness, or swelling on the injection web site. These uncomfortable side effects normally go away inside a number of days.
- Getting a flu shot yearly is one of the simplest ways to guard your self from the flu. The flu virus modifications yearly, so it is necessary to get a brand new flu shot annually.
If in case you have any questions concerning the flu shot, speak to your physician. The flu shot is a protected and efficient option to shield your self from the flu and its critical problems.
Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
If you cough or sneeze, you launch tiny droplets of fluid that may comprise the flu virus. These droplets can journey via the air and be inhaled by different individuals, who can then change into contaminated with the flu. Overlaying your mouth and nostril if you cough or sneeze can assist to stop the unfold of the flu virus.
You possibly can cowl your mouth and nostril with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow. When you use a tissue, throw it away instantly after use. When you cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, wash your palms completely with cleaning soap and water as quickly as attainable.
It is also necessary to keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms. This can assist to stop the flu virus from coming into your physique.
Overlaying your mouth and nostril if you cough or sneeze is an easy however efficient method to assist stop the unfold of the flu. By following this straightforward step, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Along with overlaying your mouth and nostril if you cough or sneeze, there are a selection of different issues you are able to do to assist stop the unfold of the flu, similar to:
- Wash your palms continuously with cleaning soap and water.
- Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms.
- Keep house from work or faculty for those who’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
Wash your palms continuously.
Washing your palms continuously with cleaning soap and water is without doubt one of the finest methods to stop the unfold of the flu virus. The flu virus can dwell on surfaces for as much as 48 hours, so it is necessary to clean your palms continuously, particularly after touching surfaces that could be contaminated with the virus, similar to doorknobs, counter tops, and keyboards.
To scrub your palms correctly, comply with these steps:
- Moist your palms with heat water.
- Apply cleaning soap and lather your palms for no less than 20 seconds. You should definitely scrub all surfaces of your palms, together with your palms, backs of your palms, between your fingers, and beneath your fingernails.
- Rinse your palms completely with heat water.
- Dry your palms with a clear towel.
It is best to wash your palms continuously all through the day, particularly after coughing, sneezing, or utilizing the lavatory. You also needs to wash your palms earlier than consuming or ingesting, and after touching surfaces that could be contaminated with the flu virus.
Washing your palms continuously with cleaning soap and water is an easy however efficient method to assist stop the unfold of the flu. By following this straightforward step, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Along with washing your palms continuously, there are a selection of different issues you are able to do to assist stop the unfold of the flu, similar to:
- Cowl your mouth and nostril if you cough or sneeze.
- Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms.
- Keep house from work or faculty for those who’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
FAQ
Listed below are some continuously requested questions on the right way to deal with the flu:
Query 1: What are the signs of the flu?
Reply 1: Signs of the flu can embody fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
Query 2: How can I stop the flu?
Reply 2: The easiest way to stop the flu is to get a flu shot yearly. It’s also possible to assist stop the flu by washing your palms continuously, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying house from work or faculty for those who’re sick.
Query 3: What ought to I do if I get the flu?
Reply 3: When you get the flu, you must relaxation, drink loads of fluids, and take over-the-counter medicines to alleviate your signs. You also needs to see a physician in case your signs are extreme or in case you have a persistent well being situation.
Query 4: How lengthy does the flu final?
Reply 4: The flu usually lasts for 7-10 days. Nevertheless, some individuals might expertise signs for longer.
Query 5: Can I unfold the flu to others if I am vaccinated?
Reply 5: Sure, you may nonetheless unfold the flu to others for those who’re vaccinated. Nevertheless, the flu vaccine may be very efficient at stopping the flu, and it may additionally assist to scale back the severity of the flu for those who do get sick.
Query 6: What are some pure treatments for the flu?
Reply 6: Some pure treatments that will assist to alleviate signs of the flu embody honey, garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C. Nevertheless, it is necessary to speak to your physician earlier than making an attempt any pure treatments, particularly in case you have a persistent well being situation.
Query 7: When ought to I see a physician concerning the flu?
Reply 7: It is best to see a physician concerning the flu in case you have extreme signs, similar to shortness of breath, chest ache or tightness, confusion or delirium, extreme vomiting or diarrhea, or a flu that improves after which returns. You also needs to see a physician in case you have a persistent well being situation and also you get the flu.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just some of the continuously requested questions on the right way to deal with the flu. If in case you have some other questions, please speak to your physician.
Along with the knowledge supplied within the FAQ, listed below are some extra ideas for treating the flu:
Suggestions
Listed below are some extra ideas for treating the flu:
Tip 1: Get loads of relaxation.
If you’re sick with the flu, your physique wants time to heal. Getting loads of relaxation helps your immune system combat off the virus and get better extra rapidly. Goal for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps throughout the day for those who can.
Tip 2: Keep hydrated.
Fluids assist to loosen mucus, soothe sore throats, and stop dehydration. Goal to drink 8-10 glasses of fluids per day, similar to water, juice, or soup.
Tip 3: Use a humidifier.
A humidifier can assist so as to add moisture to the air, which can assist to appease sore throats and coughs. You need to use a cool-mist humidifier or a warm-mist humidifier. Simply you should definitely clear the humidifier repeatedly to stop the expansion of mildew.
Tip 4: Gargle with salt water.
Gargling with salt water can assist to appease sore throats. To make salt water, combine 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of heat water. Gargle for 30 seconds at a time, a number of instances a day.
Closing Paragraph for Suggestions:
By following the following tips, you may assist to alleviate signs of the flu and velocity up restoration. Nevertheless, it is necessary to see a physician in case your signs are extreme or in case you have a persistent well being situation.
If in case you have the flu, it is necessary to handle your self and comply with your physician’s directions. By following the ideas supplied on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, velocity up restoration, and stop the unfold of the flu.
Conclusion
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may trigger quite a lot of signs, together with fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, fatigue, and nausea. Whereas the flu is usually not a critical sickness, it may result in critical problems, particularly in individuals with persistent well being circumstances. Luckily, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to deal with the flu and stop its unfold.
An important factor you are able to do to deal with the flu is to get loads of relaxation and fluids. You also needs to take over-the-counter medicines to alleviate your signs. In case your signs are extreme or in case you have a persistent well being situation, you must see a physician.
Along with treating the flu, you too can assist to stop its unfold by getting a flu shot yearly, washing your palms continuously, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying house from work or faculty for those who’re sick.
By following these easy ideas, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Closing Message:
The flu is a typical sickness, however it may be critical. By following the ideas supplied on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, velocity up restoration, and stop the unfold of the flu. If in case you have any questions or issues concerning the flu, please speak to your physician.
