Flu Remedies to Help You Feel Better

Flu is a highly contagious virus that is spread by fluids produced while sneezing, coughing, or by direct contact with a virus-stricken surface. The most common symptoms of flu are mild fever, cough, runny nose, headaches, sore muscles, chills, and fatigue. Occasionally, symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea have also been reported in some cases of flu.

If you get sick with the flu, knowing what to do can help you improve faster. Try these simple but effective flu remedies to ease the pain.

Plenty of sleep

It is important to get plenty of sleep when you are down with the flu. While you are resting, it gives enough time to your body to regain its energy and battle your illness. Resting is way of supporting your body's ability to fight infection.

Drink plenty of fluids

Having the flu can leave you dehydrated, so be sure to get ample amounts of fluids in your body. You should drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Additionally, you can also drink fresh fruit juices, green tea, or electrolyte beverages as they boost your antioxidants and restore your electrolyte balance. If possible, don't consume any caffeinated drinks as they act as a diuretic causing you to lose water.

Warm shower

Breathing warm air can help ease nasal congestion and sore throat. Indulge in a steamy shower several times a day to help liquefy the mucus in your nasal passage. You can also take steam by leaning your head over a bowl of hot water and placing a towel over your head and the bowl to capture the steam. It is an excellent flu remedy to clear your airways and make your sinuses feel much better. A few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil will increase the effectiveness of the steam.

Warm compress

Warm compresses are great to relieve headaches or sinus pains. It helps you to feel more comfortable and ease the symptoms of the frequent throbbing in your head.

Gargle with salt water

Heat a cup of warm water and dissolve a pinch of salt in it. Gargling with this mixture will give moisture to your throat and help soothe your sore throat. It will also help to get rid of the thick mucus that is collected at the back of the throat. Remember, gargling is an effective flu remedy to ease your nasal and chest congestion.

Stay clean

Flu is a contagious disease and spreads quickly. Try to keep yourself as clean as possible to fight the illness as well as prevent the risk of it spreading. Your hands are vectors for germs, so try to wash them as often as you can. Also, keeping a hand sanitizer handy will help to keep those bugs and germs at bay.

Healthy food

Eat food that is healthy and light on your stomach. Whole grains like oatmeal will support your immune system and fend off flu and cold infections. Adding probiotics such as yogurt in your diet may help to keep the virus from settling in your respiratory system.

Sleep with extra pillows under your head

If your nose blocks and you feel difficulty in breathing, you can place some extra soft pillows under your head to help the drainage of your nasal passage. It will allow you to breathe properly and give you a good night sleep.

Medications

You can always take flu medications such as Ibuprofen Tablets or Paracetamol Tablets to bring down the fever safely. It will also help to relieve headaches, muscle pain, and sinus headache while combating the symptoms of cold and flu.

Always remember, that the symptoms of the common cold and mild flu can evolve into something more serious. If your symptoms worsen with each passing day, consult a medical practitioner as soon as possible.