Come down with the flu? Here's how you can alleviate your discomfort – 7 tips

Come down with the flu? Here's how you can alleviate your discomfort – 7 tips

The treatment of influenza focuses on relieving symptoms and assisting the body in fighting the viral infection. Influenza is a viral illness, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Here are some self-care tips that can be helpful in the case of influenza.

7 tips - How to alleviate your influenza symptoms

1. Rest

The first step in treatment is to give your body enough rest. Rest helps your body recover faster and fight the infection more effectively.

2. Stay hydrated

Ensure that you are well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, tea, broth, or other clear fluids. Being well-hydrated helps alleviate symptoms like fever and sore throat and prevents dehydration.

3. Take fever-reducing medication

If you have a fever and/or pain, you can use fever-reducing medication as directed on the packaging. This can help reduce the fever and alleviate muscle aches and headaches.

4. Cough medicine

If you have an irritating cough, you can use cough medicine containing ingredients to relieve the cough. If you have a productive cough, an expectorant cough medicine may be beneficial.

5. Nasal spray

If you have nasal congestion, you can use over-the-counter nasal sprays designed to relieve cold symptoms. This can help you breathe better.

6. Natural remedies

Steam, throat lozenges, honey, and warm drinks can also be soothing for certain symptoms. Tea with honey and lemon can help alleviate a sore throat and cough.

7. Avoid alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco can worsen your symptoms and hinder your recovery. It's best to avoid them during influenza.

Contact a doctor when necessary

If your symptoms become very severe, if you experience severe shortness of breath, or if you belong to a high-risk group (such as older adults or individuals with chronic diseases), you should contact a doctor. They can determine if additional medical treatment is necessary.

Remember to follow advice from your doctor and health authorities for the best influenza treatment, and avoid spreading the disease to others by staying home when you're sick.

More about influenza:

The flu vs. a severe cold – how to tell the difference

How to reduce the risk of being infected by the flu

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