The flu, often known as influenza, is a extremely contagious respiratory sickness attributable to influenza viruses. It might 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 therapies 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 approach to shield your self from the flu. It’s endorsed 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 forestall the flu, similar to:
Should you do get the flu, there are a selection of therapies that may assist relieve signs and velocity up restoration. These therapies embrace:
Deal with the Flu
Relieve signs, velocity up restoration.
- Get loads of relaxation.
- Keep hydrated.
- Use over-the-counter drugs.
- Strive pure cures.
- See a physician if signs are extreme.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
- Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your palms often.
By following the following tips, you may assist relieve signs, velocity up restoration, and forestall the unfold of the flu.
Get loads of relaxation.
Once you’re sick with the flu, your physique wants time to heal. Getting loads of relaxation helps your immune system struggle off the virus and get better extra shortly. Purpose for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps through the day if you happen to can.
- Keep in mattress: Once you’re sick, it is necessary to remain in mattress as a lot as potential. This may provide help to relaxation and get better, and it’ll additionally assist forestall the unfold of the flu to others.
- Create a snug atmosphere: Ensure that your bed room is darkish, quiet, and funky. Use a humidifier so as to add moisture to the air, which will help soothe sore throats and coughs. Keep away from watching TV or utilizing digital gadgets earlier than mattress, because the blue mild 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 rest methods: Should you’re having hassle falling asleep, attempt some rest methods, similar to deep respiration workout routines, meditation, or yoga.
By following the following tips, you may get the remainder you must get better from the flu extra shortly.
Keep hydrated.
Once you’re sick with the flu, it is necessary to remain hydrated. Fluids assist to loosen mucus, soothe sore throats, and forestall dehydration. Purpose 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 may also be an excellent supply of fluids, but it surely’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 truly dehydrate you.
- Soup: Soup is a good way to remain hydrated and get some additional vitamins. Select soups which are 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 once you’re sick with the flu.
By staying hydrated, you may assist your physique struggle off the flu and get better extra shortly.
Use over-the-counter drugs.
Over-the-counter drugs will help to alleviate signs of the flu, similar to fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. Nonetheless, it is necessary to make use of these drugs solely as directed and to concentrate on their potential unwanted side effects.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a ache reliever and fever reducer. It’s secure 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 secure for many adults and youngsters over the age of 6.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a ache reliever, fever reducer, and anti inflammatory. It’s not really helpful for youngsters below the age of 19 or for folks with sure medical circumstances, similar to abdomen ulcers or bleeding problems.
- Decongestants: Decongestants will help to alleviate nasal congestion. They’re out there in oral and nasal spray kinds.
- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants will help to scale back coughing. They aren’t really helpful for youngsters below the age of 6.
It is necessary to speak to your physician or pharmacist earlier than taking any over-the-counter drugs, particularly when you’ve got any underlying medical circumstances or are taking different drugs.
Strive pure cures.
Along with over-the-counter drugs, there are a selection of pure cures that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. These cures are usually secure and efficient, but it surely’s necessary to speak to your physician earlier than attempting any of them, particularly when you’ve got any underlying medical circumstances.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may assist to struggle 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 cures that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. Discuss to your physician earlier than attempting any of those cures, particularly when you’ve got any underlying medical circumstances.
See a physician if signs are extreme.
Usually, the flu is a light sickness that may be handled at dwelling with relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs. Nonetheless, some individuals are at greater danger of creating critical problems from the flu, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization. These folks ought to see a physician as quickly as potential in the event that they develop flu signs.
Signs that warrant a go to to the physician embrace:
- Shortness of breath or issue respiration
- 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
When you have any of those signs, see a physician immediately. Early analysis and remedy will help to forestall critical problems.
Even when you haven’t any of those extreme signs, it is best to nonetheless see a physician if you happen to’re involved about your flu signs. Your physician will help you establish the perfect course of remedy and monitor your progress.
It is necessary to keep in mind that the flu could be a critical sickness, particularly for folks with sure underlying medical circumstances. Should you’re at excessive danger of creating 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 secure and efficient, and it might probably assist to forestall critical problems from the flu, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.
- The flu shot is really helpful for everybody 6 months of age and older. It is particularly necessary for people who find themselves at excessive danger of creating problems from the flu, similar to younger kids, pregnant girls, folks with continual well being circumstances, and folks over the age of 65.
- The flu shot is out there 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 secure and efficient. It is constituted of inactivated flu viruses, which implies that they can’t trigger the flu. The flu shot may cause some gentle unwanted side effects, similar to soreness, redness, or swelling on the injection web site. These unwanted side effects normally go away inside a couple 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.
When you have any questions concerning the flu shot, speak to your physician. The flu shot is a secure and efficient approach to shield your self from the flu and its critical problems.
Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
Once you cough or sneeze, you launch tiny droplets of fluid that may include the flu virus. These droplets can journey by the air and be inhaled by different folks, who can then change into contaminated with the flu. Overlaying your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze will help to forestall the unfold of the flu virus.
You’ll be able to cowl your mouth and nostril with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow. Should you use a tissue, throw it away instantly after use. Should you cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, wash your palms completely with cleaning soap and water as quickly as potential.
It is also necessary to keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms. This will help to forestall the flu virus from coming into your physique.
Overlaying your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze is an easy however efficient method to assist forestall the unfold of the flu. By following this easy step, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Along with protecting your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze, there are a selection of different issues you are able to do to assist forestall the unfold of the flu, similar to:
- Wash your palms often with cleaning soap and water.
- Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms.
- Keep dwelling from work or college if you happen to’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
Wash your palms often.
Washing your palms often with cleaning soap and water is likely one of the greatest methods to forestall the unfold of the flu virus. The flu virus can reside on surfaces for as much as 48 hours, so it is necessary to scrub your palms often, particularly after touching surfaces which may be contaminated with the virus, similar to doorknobs, counter tops, and keyboards.
To clean your palms correctly, comply with these steps:
- Moist your palms with heat water.
- Apply cleaning soap and lather your palms for at the least 20 seconds. You’ll want to scrub all surfaces of your palms, together with your palms, backs of your palms, between your fingers, and below your fingernails.
- Rinse your palms completely with heat water.
- Dry your palms with a clear towel.
It is best to wash your palms often all through the day, particularly after coughing, sneezing, or utilizing the lavatory. You must also wash your palms earlier than consuming or consuming, and after touching surfaces which may be contaminated with the flu virus.
Washing your palms often with cleaning soap and water is an easy however efficient method to assist forestall the unfold of the flu. By following this easy step, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Along with washing your palms often, there are a selection of different issues you are able to do to assist forestall the unfold of the flu, similar to:
- Cowl your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze.
- Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms.
- Keep dwelling from work or college if you happen to’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
FAQ
Listed here are some often requested questions on the best way to deal with the flu:
Query 1: What are the signs of the flu?
Reply 1: Signs of the flu can embrace fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
Query 2: How can I forestall the flu?
Reply 2: One of the best ways to forestall the flu is to get a flu shot yearly. You can even assist forestall the flu by washing your palms often, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying dwelling from work or college if you happen to’re sick.
Query 3: What ought to I do if I get the flu?
Reply 3: Should you get the flu, it is best to relaxation, drink loads of fluids, and take over-the-counter drugs to alleviate your signs. You must also see a physician in case your signs are extreme or when you’ve got a continual well being situation.
Query 4: How lengthy does the flu final?
Reply 4: The flu usually lasts for 7-10 days. Nonetheless, some folks could 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 if you happen to’re vaccinated. Nonetheless, the flu vaccine may be very efficient at stopping the flu, and it might probably additionally assist to scale back the severity of the flu if you happen to do get sick.
Query 6: What are some pure cures for the flu?
Reply 6: Some pure cures which will assist to alleviate signs of the flu embrace honey, garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C. Nonetheless, it is necessary to speak to your physician earlier than attempting any pure cures, particularly when you’ve got a continual 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 when you’ve got 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 must also see a physician when you’ve got a continual well being situation and also you get the flu.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just some of the often requested questions on the best way to deal with the flu. When you have every other questions, please speak to your physician.
Along with the knowledge supplied within the FAQ, listed below are some further suggestions for treating the flu:
Suggestions
Listed here are some further suggestions for treating the flu:
Tip 1: Get loads of relaxation.
Once you’re sick with the flu, your physique wants time to heal. Getting loads of relaxation helps your immune system struggle off the virus and get better extra shortly. Purpose for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps through the day if you happen to can.
Tip 2: Keep hydrated.
Fluids assist to loosen mucus, soothe sore throats, and forestall dehydration. Purpose to drink 8-10 glasses of fluids per day, similar to water, juice, or soup.
Tip 3: Use a humidifier.
A humidifier will help so as to add moisture to the air, which will help to appease sore throats and coughs. You should use a cool-mist humidifier or a warm-mist humidifier. Simply you should definitely clear the humidifier commonly to forestall the expansion of mildew.
Tip 4: Gargle with salt water.
Gargling with salt water will help 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. Nonetheless, it is necessary to see a physician in case your signs are extreme or when you’ve got a continual well being situation.
When you have the flu, it is necessary to handle your self and comply with your physician’s directions. By following the information supplied on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, velocity up restoration, and forestall 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 might probably result in critical problems, particularly in folks with continual well being circumstances. Happily, there are a selection of issues you are able to do to deal with the flu and forestall its unfold.
A very powerful factor you are able to do to deal with the flu is to get loads of relaxation and fluids. You must also take over-the-counter drugs to alleviate your signs. In case your signs are extreme or when you’ve got a continual well being situation, it is best to see a physician.
Along with treating the flu, you can even assist to forestall its unfold by getting a flu shot yearly, washing your palms often, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying dwelling from work or college if you happen to’re sick.
By following these easy suggestions, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Closing Message:
The flu is a standard sickness, however it may be critical. By following the information supplied on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, velocity up restoration, and forestall the unfold of the flu. When you have any questions or issues concerning the flu, please speak to your physician.
