Healing The Flu: 4 Tips To Get Better
Influenza is one of the most common and widespread viral diseases, which mainly attacks the respiratory system. Unlike a normal cold, it can be accompanied by episodes of high fever. In this article, we present some tips for getting better and recovering from the flu.
The infection occurs through contact with the virus, which is contained in the particles of saliva or nasal secretions. Or, indirectly, through a contaminated element.
Flu symptoms appear suddenly and can be more or less severe, depending on the defense capabilities of the immune system.
While it generally goes away on its own after a few days, we present some tips for getting rid of the flu . They will help withstand and reduce bothersome symptoms.
The causes of the flu
Influenza viruses travel through the air carried by tiny droplets excreted by infected people when they cough, talk or sneeze.
- There is a high probability of being infected when, for various reasons, you come into contact with it.
- Germs can also infect us when we come into contact with some contaminated object and then put our hands to our mouth, nose or eyes.
Influenza viruses are constantly mutating, which is why new strains appear regularly. Even though many people get vaccinated, they can still be infected with a new form of the infection.
There may be a high risk of complications if the subject:
- Suffers from a chronic disease.
- He is immunosuppressed, that is, he suffers from a disease that compromises his immune system.
- Is pregnant.
- He is a child or an elderly person.
Flu symptoms
The clinical manifestations of the flu are rapid and sudden, unlike a simple cold. Symptoms last 1 to 7 days after coming into contact with the virus.
A high fever is one of the main symptoms of the flu. In general, the peaks can fluctuate between 38.5 ºC and 41 ºC.
Other symptoms include:
- Muscle aches.
- Chills and sweats.
- Headache.
- Persistent and dry cough.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sore throat.
4 tips to get rid of the flu
In most cases, these are mild forms of flu that do not require medical attention. In some cases, analgesics and antipyretics can be taken to calm the more severe symptoms.
However, the basic flu treatment can be summarized with the following 4 tips.
1. Avoid contagion
The first step to take is to wash your hands. This practice avoids the spread of the infection to other family members.
Even if it is not noticed with the naked eye, the virus can pass from one organism to another in seconds.
- The infected person should remain isolated, if possible, or at least wear a mask in the presence of other people.
- Always cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
- It is important to wash your hands several times a day, especially if you are using shared items.
2. Don’t use antibiotics
Warning! Antibiotics are not suitable for treating flu symptoms. This disease is in fact caused by a virus, it is not a bacterial infection.
Abusing unnecessary medicines can generate resistance to the same active ingredients, jeopardizing their effectiveness in the treatment of any future diseases.
- Some symptoms such as fever can be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as regular antipyretics.
- If complications occur, your doctor will assess the need for an antiviral.
- You will find medicines to cure the flu in any pharmacy.
3. Drink lots of fluids
The flu can cause dehydration, especially as the body will struggle to try to regulate the temperature of the body, which is fighting the virus.
In order to avoid fluid decompensation, it is important to drink more water, isotonic drinks or drinks containing mineral salts.
- A broth, fruit juice or herbal tea are equally good options.
- It is also possible to use a saline solution, either at home or bought at the pharmacy.
4. Some do-it-yourself remedies
The properties of some natural remedies can calm general malaise, congestion and other symptoms resulting from these viral infections.
These remedies can be used alternatively or as a complement to conventional medicines.
Here are some effective options:
- Infusion of echinacea, elderberry or ginger.
- Honey and lemon.
- Onion and honey.
- Fumenti with eucalyptus.
- Chest massages with decongestant essential oils.
Are you in bed with the flu? While your symptoms won’t go away right away, keep these tips in mind for getting better from the flu.
