What You Should Know About Flu Remedies

A flu vaccine can prevent or lessen effects this season. Here are helpful suggestions if you find yourself with debilitating symptoms.

Strengthen Yourself for Attack

The flu season beginning in September continues through May. Have you received your flu vaccine? It is the most effective prevention method for influenza and can save lives. An important natural flu remedy is isolated bed rest. During sleep, your body fights infection and restores damaged cells. This simple process can take days.

Good nutrition and hydration, especially when you have a fever, give your body the strength for a successful battle. Fresh citrus juices, tomato soup, broths, and other light meals can help restore your strength. Tea with honey can soothe your throat, while ginger might settle your stomach.

Medicines to Ward Off Symptoms

Contrary to popular belief, over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not cure the flu. They provide symptomatic relief while the virus remains active within you. They can help suppress a cough, settle an upset stomach, or reduce a fever. Follow dosing directions carefully and consult your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Many medical offices urge patients with flu symptoms to stay home. If your physician accepts patients or provides telemedicine, you might receive a prescription for:

oseltamivir phosphate (generic or trade name Tamiflu^®)
zanamivir (trade name Relenza^®)
peramivir (trade name Rapivab^®)
baloxavir marboxil (trade name Xofluza^®)

Unlike OTC medications, these prescription antiviral drugs fight against flu viruses in your body. They are most effective when you start them within the first 2 days of the influenza. Unfortunately, this is the time when you may be unsure whether you have the flu. Mild symptoms might include a sore throat, body aches, an upset stomach, or a mild cough.

Improve Air Quality

A fan that includes an ionization setting in conjunction with a separate HEPA air purifier can be very effective for improving indoor air quality within an isolated room.

The air purifier can help remove airborne particles, including potential viruses or bacteria, contributing to cleaner and healthier air. Position the HEPA air purifier in a central location in the room where it can effectively circulate and filter the air. Ensure that it’s away from obstructions and placed at a suitable height.

Some fans include an ionization setting that releases negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to airborne particles, causing them to fall to the ground or stick to surfaces. Thus ionization can help remove particles from the air. Ionization can be less effective in removing larger particles compared to HEPA filters.

The ion setting is often more effective as a supplementary feature rather than the primary method of air purification. Use the fan’s ionization setting intermittently according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure its safe and effective use.

By responsibly combining the benefits of the HEPA air purifier and the fan with ionization, you can create a healthier indoor environment with improved air quality. This is especially useful during flu season or when dealing with respiratory issues.

Avoid Flu Complications

In some people, the flu can progress to acute bronchitis. Lungs become clogged with thick phlegm, making breathing difficult. Not all cough medicine is the same, so read OTC labels carefully. Cough suppressants prevent you from expelling phlegm, while expectorants loosen it, allowing you to cough it out into a tissue and clear your lungs. You can then monitor the viscosity and color of your sputum. If there are signs of severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, a high fever, or chest pain, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.

To prevent the spread of the flu, it is best to stay in an isolated bed while you’re coughing to avoid infecting others. Avoid unreliable home remedies like garlic cloves in your sock. Practice good hygiene with frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and isolation. Get your rest, and prevent more serious symptoms by receiving an annual flu vaccination.

Are you curious about the differences between the common cold and influenza? A detailed wall chart is available in our online store.

You can support the writing of useful articles about pulmonology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation.

Reference

What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs. cdc.gov/flu/treatment/whatyoushould.htm

Effective Flu Remedies