Flu also called as influenza or grippe, is a viral disease that infects respiratory system. It is a more common disease that affects people across the world. Flu is contagious and its symptoms last up to 14 days. More than flu, the symptoms associated with it is deadly. You can prevent flu by taking yearly vaccinations.
However, it can be deadly, particularly in the case of high-risk individuals. Studies show that more than 10 million people are getting affected by the flu every year. Imaging tests and lab tests are rarely required to diagnose common flu. The reason is that it is a common viral infection and can be easily self-diagnosed and it resolves within days to weeks. Further, it can be self-treated with some simple home remedies. Effective natural remedies will help with relieving the flu symptoms.
Who Are At High Risk?
The flu is something that affects throat, nose, and lungs. Individuals with a weak immune system, chronic diseases, carrying moms, older adults and young kids are at high risk. Symptoms associated with flu include fatigue, headaches, runny nose and congestion. Even some patients will have cough, muscle aches, chills and fever. Flu is basically treated with fluid intake and rest. These things will allow the body to fight the infection on its own.
How Does Flu Spreads?
It spreads by airborne respiratory droplets through sneezing and cough. Even it can spread through hugs or handshakes. Also, it will spread through saliva by sharing drinks or kissing. In addition, touching a contaminated surface like a door knob or blanket can cause the flu to spread from one person to another.
Individuals with flu will experience pain in the muscles. They will have associated cough that can either be dry or with phlegm. Most people experience sweating, body ache, loss of appetite and flushing. Fever, fatigue, dehydration, and chills are also common. Even, there will be nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose. The other associated symptoms include shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes and nausea. Even headaches, chest pressure and head congestion are other symptoms to note.
Safety Measures To Take
When a person has flu, it is better to do certain things. Here are certain recommendations from healthcare providers:
- Avoid getting out when you are sick. The external environment can worsen the flu.
- It is better to cover your cough and sneezes using a tissue. It will prevent you from spreading the infections to others.
- Remember to wash your hand then and there using a hand sanitizer.
- Also, make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or mask. It will help with preventing the infection from spreading to any family member.
- Further, to allow your body to fight flu, it is better to stay hydrated. Take plenty of fluids and Luke warm water when you are sick.
Natural Ways To Fight Flu
When you are sick with flu, rather than taking chemical-based medicines, the best thing to do is to rely on natural remedies. Here, let us discuss some useful home remedies that will help.
1. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are effective in relaxing your body. They can relieve muscle pain, cold symptoms like running nose or congestion etc.
How To Use?
- Take any essential oil; particularly you can take peppermint or frankincense essential oil. Rub the essential oil on bottom of the feet and neck.
- Otherwise you can also use clove oil. It will help with speedy recovery and will fight against infections.
Alternative
Alternatively, you can take eucalyptus oil in a tissue and smell it to relieve cold and headache.
How Does It Work?
Any essential oil like those mentioned above will help your body fight against infections as it has anti-inflammatory, astringent along with cold fighting and expectorant properties. Further, they will provide a natural boost to the immune system. In turn, your immune system will fight off the infection. Menthol in peppermint oil relieves cold and flu symptoms by treating congestion and reduces body pain and it also has mild warming effect.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a natural remedy that is readily available in your kitchen. It is stated as a powerhouse of substances to boost your overall health.
How To Use?
- Take 1-2 garlic cloves
- Cut into smaller pieces or finely mince
- Add the cloves to a small glass of water and consume it
- If you are sick enough, you will not even notice the taste. Take this drink 3 times a day.
The thing to remember here is that carrying moms should not take more than a single garlic clove for medicinal purpose in a day. Also, kids will not follow this remedy.
Alternative Way
You can also make garlic soup. You can consume it with pepper powder and salt to gain better benefits. If you can make the soup spicy, it will help. The reason is that the spiciness will help to get relief from congestion and cold. When you use garlic for medicinal purpose, it is better to crush it as it will increase the allicin content. Take garlic soup 3 times a day.
How Does It Work?
Garlic is rich in manganese, vitamin C, B6, and antioxidants. It is highly beneficial for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. So, it will relieve the symptoms of flu. It will also address congestion by bringing down inflammation in the nasal passages.