5 Best Home remedies for flu, symptoms and cold
Contents
Yes, Home remedies for flu! Flu (influenza) is a very common, contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, not bacteria. Symptoms usually start suddenly and include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue.
Most people recover in a few days to less than two weeks. But flu can be serious and sometimes deadly, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Prescription antiviral medicines can treat flu. They work best when started within two days of getting sick. Home remedies can't cure the flu, but some may help you feel more comfortable while your body fights the virus.
Helpful Home Remedies For Flu
A variety of home remedies are used traditionally to ease flu symptoms. They are not a substitute for medical care when you need it. A few that may help you feel better are discussed below.
1- Drink hot herbal tea
Warm herbal tea helps keep you hydrated and can soothe a sore throat. There is no good evidence that herbal teas kill the flu virus or shorten the illness.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is a prescription antiviral drug, not an antibacterial. Antivirals like it can make flu milder and shorten it by about a day when started early. Antibiotics do not work against flu viruses.
2- Bed Rest
When you have flu, rest and sleep help your body recover and fight the virus. Stay home from work or school until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. This helps you avoid spreading flu to others.
3- Ginger Tea
Ginger has been traditionally used to soothe a sore throat and the common cold. A warm cup of ginger tea can be comforting and may ease nausea. It does not cure the flu, but the warm steam and fluid may help loosen nasal congestion.
To make it, add a few slices of fresh ginger to water or tea and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
4- Hot Liquids
Warm drinks such as broth, tea and water help prevent dehydration and can soothe the throat and loosen mucus. A hot toddy, tea with honey and whiskey, is a traditional remedy, but alcohol can dehydrate you and interact with cold and flu medicines, so it is best skipped. Warm tea with honey and lemon gives similar comfort. Never give honey to babies under 1 year old.
5- Use a Warm Compress
A warm, damp cloth on the forehead and nose may help ease headache or sinus pain from the flu or a cold.
When to Get Medical Care
Call your doctor early if you are at higher risk of complications or are very sick or worried. Seek medical care right away for emergency warning signs. These include trouble breathing, chest or belly pain or pressure that won't go away, persistent dizziness or confusion, seizures, not urinating, severe weakness, or fever or cough that improves and then comes back or gets worse.
A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to lower your chance of getting the flu.
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Sources
- Signs and Symptoms of Flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Flu Treatment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
