The flu, often known as influenza, is a extremely contagious respiratory sickness brought on by influenza viruses. It may vary from delicate to extreme, and in some instances, can result in hospitalization and even dying. Whereas there isn’t a remedy for the flu, there are a variety of therapies that may assist relieve signs and pace up restoration.
Prevention is the easiest way to keep away from getting the flu. The flu vaccine is the best approach to defend your self from the flu. It is suggested that everybody 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine yearly. Along with getting a flu vaccine, there are a variety of different issues you are able to do to assist stop the flu, similar to:
In the event you do get the flu, there are a variety of therapies that may assist relieve signs and pace up restoration. These therapies embody:
The way to Deal with the Flu
Relieve signs, pace up restoration.
- Get loads of relaxation.
- Keep hydrated.
- Use over-the-counter medicines.
- Strive pure treatments.
- See a physician if signs are extreme.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
- Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your palms incessantly.
By following the following tips, you may assist relieve signs, pace 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 combat off the virus and get well extra rapidly. Purpose for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps in the course of the day should you can.
- Keep in mattress: Once you’re sick, it is necessary to remain in mattress as a lot as attainable. This may enable you relaxation and get well, and it’ll additionally assist stop the unfold of the flu to others.
- Create a cushty atmosphere: Be certain that your bed room is darkish, quiet, and funky. Use a humidifier so as to add moisture to the air, which can assist soothe sore throats and coughs. Keep away from watching TV or utilizing digital units earlier than mattress, because the blue gentle emitted from these units 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 leisure strategies: In the event you’re having bother falling asleep, attempt some leisure strategies, similar to deep respiration workout routines, meditation, or yoga.
By following the following tips, you may get the remainder you could get well from the flu extra rapidly.
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 the only option for staying hydrated. It is calorie-free and helps to flush toxins out of your physique.
- Juice: Juice can be 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 can be 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 combat off the flu and get well extra rapidly.
Use over-the-counter medicines.
Over-the-counter medicines can assist to alleviate signs of the flu, similar to fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. Nonetheless, it is necessary to make use of these medicines solely as directed and to pay attention to their potential uncomfortable side effects.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a ache reliever and fever reducer. It’s secure for many adults and kids 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 kids over the age of 6.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a ache reliever, fever reducer, and anti inflammatory. It isn’t really helpful for youngsters underneath the age of 19 or for individuals with sure medical circumstances, similar to abdomen ulcers or bleeding problems.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can assist to alleviate nasal congestion. They’re out there in oral and nasal spray varieties.
- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants can assist to cut back coughing. They don’t seem to be really helpful for youngsters underneath the age of 6.
It is necessary to speak to your physician or pharmacist earlier than taking any over-the-counter medicines, particularly if in case you have any underlying medical circumstances or are taking different medicines.
Strive pure treatments.
Along with over-the-counter medicines, there are a variety of pure treatments that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. These treatments are typically secure and efficient, but it surely’s necessary to speak to your physician earlier than making an attempt any of them, particularly if in case you have any underlying medical circumstances.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may assist to combat 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 cut 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 cut 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 only a few of the pure treatments that may assist to alleviate signs of the flu. Discuss to your physician earlier than making an attempt any of those treatments, particularly if in case you have any underlying medical circumstances.
See a physician if signs are extreme.
Typically, the flu is a light sickness that may be handled at dwelling with relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. Nonetheless, some persons are at larger danger of growing critical issues from the flu, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization. These individuals ought to see a physician as quickly as attainable in the event that they develop flu signs.
Signs that warrant a go to to the physician embody:
- Shortness of breath or problem 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
In case you have any of those signs, see a physician instantly. Early analysis and therapy can assist to forestall critical issues.
Even when you haven’t any of those extreme signs, it is best to nonetheless see a physician should you’re involved about your flu signs. Your physician can assist you establish one of the best course of therapy and monitor your progress.
It is necessary to keep in mind that the flu could be a critical sickness, particularly for individuals with sure underlying medical circumstances. In the event you’re at excessive danger of growing issues from the flu, discuss 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 the easiest way to guard your self from the flu. It is secure and efficient, and it might assist to forestall critical issues 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 growing issues from the flu, similar to younger youngsters, pregnant ladies, individuals with persistent well being circumstances, and other people over the age of 65.
- The flu shot is on the market 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 signifies that they can’t trigger the flu. The flu shot may cause some delicate uncomfortable side effects, similar to soreness, redness, or swelling on the injection web site. These uncomfortable side effects normally go away inside a couple of days.
- Getting a flu shot yearly is the easiest way to guard your self from the flu. The flu virus adjustments yearly, so it is necessary to get a brand new flu shot annually.
In case you have any questions concerning the flu shot, discuss to your physician. The flu shot is a secure and efficient approach to defend your self from the flu and its critical issues.
Cowl your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing.
Once you cough or sneeze, you launch tiny droplets of fluid that may comprise the flu virus. These droplets can journey via the air and be inhaled by different individuals, who can then grow to be contaminated with the flu. Overlaying your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze can assist to forestall the unfold of the flu virus.
You may cowl your mouth and nostril with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow. In the event you use a tissue, throw it away instantly after use. In the event you cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, wash your palms totally with cleaning soap and water as quickly as attainable.
It is also necessary to keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms. This can assist to forestall the flu virus from getting into your physique.
Overlaying your mouth and nostril once you cough or sneeze is an easy however efficient manner to assist stop the unfold of the flu. By following this straightforward 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 variety of different issues you are able to do to assist stop the unfold of the flu, similar to:
- Wash your palms incessantly with cleaning soap and water.
- Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms.
- Keep dwelling from work or faculty should you’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
Wash your palms incessantly.
Washing your palms incessantly with cleaning soap and water is without doubt one of the finest methods to forestall the unfold of the flu virus. The flu virus can dwell on surfaces for as much as 48 hours, so it is necessary to clean your palms incessantly, particularly after touching surfaces that could be contaminated with the virus, similar to doorknobs, counter tops, and keyboards.
To scrub your palms correctly, observe these steps:
- Moist your palms with heat water.
- Apply cleaning soap and lather your palms for not less than 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your palms, together with your palms, backs of your palms, between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails.
- Rinse your palms totally with heat water.
- Dry your palms with a clear towel.
It’s best to wash your palms incessantly all through the day, particularly after coughing, sneezing, or utilizing the lavatory. You must also wash your palms earlier than consuming or ingesting, and after touching surfaces that could be contaminated with the flu virus.
Washing your palms incessantly with cleaning soap and water is an easy however efficient manner to assist stop the unfold of the flu. By following this straightforward step, you may assist to guard your self and others from the flu.
Along with washing your palms incessantly, there are a variety of different issues you are able to do to assist stop 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 faculty should you’re sick.
- Get a flu shot yearly.
FAQ
Listed below are some incessantly requested questions on tips on how to deal with the flu:
Query 1: What are the signs of the flu?
Reply 1: Signs of the flu can embody fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
Query 2: How can I stop the flu?
Reply 2: One of the best ways to forestall the flu is to get a flu shot yearly. It’s also possible to assist stop the flu by washing your palms incessantly, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying dwelling from work or faculty should you’re sick.
Query 3: What ought to I do if I get the flu?
Reply 3: In the event you get the flu, it is best to relaxation, drink loads of fluids, and take over-the-counter medicines to alleviate your signs. You must also see a physician in case your signs are extreme or if in case you have a persistent well being situation.
Query 4: How lengthy does the flu final?
Reply 4: The flu usually lasts for 7-10 days. Nonetheless, some individuals 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 should you’re vaccinated. Nonetheless, the flu vaccine may be very efficient at stopping the flu, and it might additionally assist to cut back the severity of the flu should you do get sick.
Query 6: What are some pure treatments for the flu?
Reply 6: Some pure treatments which will assist to alleviate signs of the flu embody honey, garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C. Nonetheless, it is necessary to speak to your physician earlier than making an attempt any pure treatments, particularly if in case you have a persistent well being situation.
Query 7: When ought to I see a physician concerning the flu?
Reply 7: It’s best to see a physician concerning the flu if in case you have 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 if in case you have a persistent well being situation and also you get the flu.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are only a few of the incessantly requested questions on tips on how to deal with the flu. In case you have another questions, please discuss to your physician.
Along with the knowledge offered within the FAQ, listed here are some further suggestions for treating the flu:
Suggestions
Listed below 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 combat off the virus and get well extra rapidly. Purpose for 8-10 hours of sleep per evening, and attempt to take naps in the course of the day should you 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 can assist so as to add moisture to the air, which can assist to assuage sore throats and coughs. You should utilize a cool-mist humidifier or a warm-mist humidifier. Simply you’ll want to clear the humidifier usually to forestall the expansion of mildew.
Tip 4: Gargle with salt water.
Gargling with salt water can assist to assuage 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 pace up restoration. Nonetheless, it is necessary to see a physician in case your signs are extreme or if in case you have a persistent well being situation.
In case you have the flu, it is necessary to maintain your self and observe your physician’s directions. By following the information offered on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, pace up restoration, and forestall the unfold of the flu.
Conclusion
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may trigger a wide range 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 result in critical issues, particularly in individuals with persistent well being circumstances. Happily, there are a variety of issues you are able to do to deal with the flu and forestall its unfold.
Crucial 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 medicines to alleviate your signs. In case your signs are extreme or if in case you have a persistent well being situation, it is best to see a physician.
Along with treating the flu, you may as well assist to forestall its unfold by getting a flu shot yearly, washing your palms incessantly, avoiding touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth with unwashed palms, and staying dwelling from work or faculty should you’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 typical sickness, however it may be critical. By following the information offered on this article, you may assist to alleviate signs, pace up restoration, and forestall the unfold of the flu. In case you have any questions or considerations concerning the flu, please discuss to your physician.
