The influenza virus causes a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing or touching something with the flu virus on it. Most people who get influenza feel sick for a week or two and don't need special drugs or treatments, but certain remedies assist in shortening or lessening flu symptoms.
Rest
Tiredness often accompanies the flu and usually lasts for weeks after the illness resolves. The immune system helps fight off infections, and getting plenty of rest during the flu assists the body's natural defenses. Resting and staying at home not only helps with recovery but also prevents others from getting infected.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of water, juice and warm soup helps prevent dehydration that occurs from a high fever and nausea or vomiting. Urine with a clear-yellow or pale color usually indicates proper fluid intake. Consuming chicken soup actually relieves flu symptoms by breaking up congestion, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Avoid Alcohol
Avoid consuming alcohol while sick with the flu. Alcohol doesn't provide nutrition, and nutrients along with adequate fluid intake assist the immune system in fighting off the virus. Alcohol also causes and worsens dehydration.
Avoid Tobacco
Influenza affects the respiratory system and worsens underlying illnesses, such as asthma or heart failure. Individuals who have a chronic illness and use tobacco increase their risk for developing flu-related complications. Avoiding tobacco products during the flu decreases the chances for aggravating existing conditions and helps lessen the symptoms of a stuffy nose, sore throat and dry, hacking cough.
Medications
A physician may prescribe antiviral drugs for individuals who become very sick with the flu or for those at a high risk of developing complications. Antiviral drugs shorten the duration of symptoms by about one day, but only if the medicine is begun within 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, alleviate the body aches, fever and other symptoms associated with the flu. Pain relievers provide comfort from the symptoms but do not make the symptoms go away any faster. The Food and Drug Administration warns against giving children or teens aspirin because a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome may develop.
