Quick Tips to Treat Influenza
What You Should do to Lessen the Severity and Length of a Flu
Feb 13, 2009
When the weather turns cold, many people start to dread the coming of another season of the flu. In earnest they rush to get the flu shot, only to find that they are still vulnerable when the shot doesn't address the particular strain the experts anticipated.
But what treatment can help alleviate those nasty symptoms before life becomes a major health hazard?
The first step is a consultation with a doctor to determine whether it is the flu or just a cold. The symptoms of both are similar, but the flu lasts far longer and affects the respiratory system as opposed to the nasal and throat passageways that is common with a cold.
Curb Normal Activity
Once the doctor confirms a flu diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate medication, the next step is to cut back on the usual daily activities. The flu demands attention. It's not the time for a jog outdoors or dealing with work related problems. Since the flu bug is highly contagious and can be easily passed from one person to the next via a conversation, a sneeze or cough, it is imperative to stay home to recover.
Bed Rest
Bed rest and lots of it is the best antidote to fighting the flu. The body needs time to do what it must do to rid itself of the virus. Rest gives it that chance. Staying in bed affords isolation from family members who could easily pick up the virus. Depending on the severity of the illness a stay beneath the sheets can last a week or longer.
Drink Lots of Fluids
The flu can lead to profuse sweating so hydration is important. Drink lots of water. Green tea is a great source of antioxidants. Fruit juices high in Vitamin C can help alleviate the severity of the symptoms. But be aware that most juices on the store shelves come loaded with sugar and calories. Add ginger, lemon and honey to hot water for a soothing sore throat reliever.
Drug treatments
People at high risk will need a prescription for anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol can address the high fevers, headaches and other body aches and pains. Aspirin, however, should be avoided due to the possibility of stomach bleeding. Dry irritating coughs and chest congestion can be treated with a cough suppressant. For a more natural treatment, try breathing in the steam from a bowl of hot water.
Eat Something
Loss of appetite and stomach discomfort are the symptoms of a flu. But it is important to eat something. The more liquid, like soups with chicken stock and ginger, the better it is to get the maximum benefits of the nutrients. Eat plenty of fresh fruits. Vegetables such as broccoli and peppers contain a good deal of vitamin-C and other antioxidants. Eat yogurt with probiotics, important in aiding the good bacteria in the stomach that helps in digestion.
Curb Normal Habits
The flu demands a lot from the immune system as it attempts to fight the virus. Habits such as smoking and drinking do little more than add toxins into the body that is already overtaxed. It is important to cut out alcohol altogether as it can have an adverse effect when mixed with the drugs that are taken to treat the flu.
Necessary Hospitalization
Difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, chest pressure and severe pains are signs that the flu is getting worse and must be addressed before permanent damage affects the lungs. The flu can lead to the serious complications of bronchitis and pneumonia, both of which can lead to death. Hospitalization is immediately required at the sign of worsening symptoms especially for those in high risk groups such as children, elderly, diabetics, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Practicing proper hygiene is the best prevention. It should be taught to children. Wash hands thoroughly after using restrooms. Practice care by covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Everyone should learn good hygiene to insure that another epidemic such as the Spanish Flu of 1918 never occurs again.
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