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Fever, chills, nausea, vomit, coughs, aches, pains, a runny nose, congestion, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and diarrhea. A handful of these symptoms sound all too familiar? Then you’re suffering from the flu. By discovering what is the best treatment for flu you can relieve flu symptoms and get better faster
Fight the Flu: There are ways to help boost the immune system and reduce the amount of time you are sick from the flu.
Stay in & Turn in. When you have the flu you should rest, rest, rest! Sleep cannot be stressed enough. Call in sick to work or skip school, cancel social engagements and stay in. Diligence in rest will help you to get better faster by reducing stress on your body. If you feel tired, sleep!
Let it come! If you are experiencing vomit or diarrhea (or both!) it is best to let the flu run its course. The reason you vomit and go diarrhea is to flush whatever is disagreeing with your system out. Vomit and diarrhea are your body’s natural defense against an attack. The most important thing is to stay hydrated and get lots of rest.
Drink responsibly. The biggest health risk associated with the flu is dehydration. Drink at least half a gallon of water, tea, and liquids that contain electrolytes a day. Pedialyte and sports drinks contain electrolytes which your body needs for energy and loses as you vomit and diarrhea. Green and Black tea are especially good to drink since they both contain an agent called thiamine which increases the white blood cells’ interferon protein count which increases your ability to fight the flu virus.
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages when you have the flu. Both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate your body and keep you from getting sleepy and resting.
Symptom Relief: While the only way to cure the flu is to let it naturally run its course, there are ways to treat the flu’s symptoms.
Over-the-counter relief. Purchase an over-the-counter flu relief drug that will reduce your fever and provide relief headaches, aches and pains, stuffiness and congestion. Your local drug and groceries stores will have many varieties to choose from for about $5 or less.
Humidifier. Relieve congestion, ease coughing, sooth your sore throat and sleep and breath better with a humidifier in the room.
Gargle salt water. While salt water may taste gross, gargling it helps to sooth a sore throat. If you are stuck at a whisper, salt water gargling may be worth a shot!
Drink Warm Water with Lemon and Honey. This tasty mixture also helps to soothe a sore throat.
Soothe nausea. I have found that sparkling water and clear soda like 7Up and Sprite help to calm an upset stomach. You can also pop a few Tums, which will also help ease the turning in your tummy.
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