8 Simple Ways That Help You Cure Influenza

What is Influenza?

Influenza, also known as flu, is a viral illness that affects the respiratory tract including your nose, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes (the airways that lead to the lungs). The symptoms can include coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and headache. A high fever may also accompany the symptoms. Some people are vulnerable to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear and sinus infections. This group includes children, people over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease or HIV infection.

Influenza Treatments

Influenza might go away on its own in about 7 to 10 days. But you can also try the following tips to help you feel better:

1. Get plenty of nourishing rest. Bed rest can help you feel better. By sleeping and resting, you’ll allow your body’s natural immune system to fight influenza on its own. It will also help you avoid spreading the virus to others. Elevate your head at night with an extra pillow if coughing keeps you awake.
2. Drink lots of fluids to replace those lost from fever. Fluids can also ease a scratchy throat and keep nasal mucus thin. Stay away from alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can inhibit your body’s ability to recover. Hot tea with lemon, water, fruit juice, and soup are all good choices.
3. Reduce the fever. Sponge your body with lukewarm water to reduce fever. Lowering the fever will not make your symptoms go away faster, but it may make you more comfortable. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower the fever, but you should follow your doctor’s advice.
4. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also relieve body aches and headache.
5. Clear a stuffy nose. To clear a stuffy nose you can try a decongestant or nasal spray as directed. Breathing moist air from a hot shower or from a sink filled with hot water may also help.
6. Avoid antihistamines. They do not treat flu symptoms and may make nasal drainage thicker.
7. Use cough drops or plain, hard candy to help ease coughing. If you have a dry, hacking cough, you can try an over-the counter cough medicine with dextromethorpan.
8. Avoid smoking. This is especially important when you have a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu.

 

*Warning: If the symptoms are not improving, you should see your doctor immediately.