People who have the flu virus often experience symptoms such as fever, chills, tiredness, and head and body aches. The flu affects the upper respiratory tract, and can also include symptoms such as a bad cough, sore throat and ear aches. Since the flu is a virus, it cannot be cured with a pill the same way a bacterial infection can be cured with an antibiotic. While a doctor should diagnose the type and severity of the flu, the best way to fight the flu virus is to take specific measures at home to give your body the proper care it needs to return to health.
Step 1
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer. This will help with the body aches, as well as bring down the body temperature. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen are all good choices. Adults can take aspirin also, but aspirin should not be given to children.
Step 2
Rest. Your body needs its energy to fight the virus that is attacking it. It cannot do this if it is using the energy for other functions. If you go to school or work, stay home for a few days. Not only does this give your body needed rest, it also helps prevent the spread of the flu virus to others.
Step 3
Drink a lot of fluids. Water, juices and fluids with electrolytes are recommended. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the extra fluids not only replace fluids lost from fever dehydration, but they help keep mucus in the airways loose. These fluids need to be loose enough to easily come up with a cough. Excess mucus that is not removed from the body can cause further infection. If you have a sick child that doesn't like to drink, give him ice pops or Popsicles to help him get the fluid he needs.
Step 4
Gargle with warm salt water twice a day to relieve a sore throat. With the flu, a lot of coughing can make the throat irritated. A warm salt water rinse can help relieve the pain. Over-the-counter throat sprays are also available.
Step 5
Use saline nose drops to keep nasal passages clear. Excess mucus in the nose can dry up, causing further restriction of the nasal airways. Having the flu virus can make breathing difficult enough, so keeping the nasal passages clean and clear is essential to getting better. Use the spray according to package directions at least twice daily.
Step 6
Go light on your meals. Digestion takes a lot of the body's energy reserves. Sticking with meals such as soups and broths not only eases the digestive process, but also helps provide the extra fluids needed to fight the flu virus.
Step 7
Keep your hands clean. Even if you already have the flu virus, keeping hands clean can help prevent the virus from coming back multiple times. Most of the flu virus germs are either inhaled or picked up on our hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent and fight the flu virus, as well as other communicable illnesses.
Tips and Warnings
- It can take up to 2 weeks for the flu virus to go away and symptoms to subside. Fatigue and cough can last even longer. It is important to see your doctor if you are elderly or have other existing medical conditions. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe antiviral medications to help treat your flu symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these medications help prevent the flu virus from continuing to reproduce in the body, and can lessen the severity of symptoms. However, for optimal results, they need to be started within 2 days of the onset of flu symptoms, so make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible.
- If your fever and symptoms do not respond to home treatments, notify your physician.
Things You'll Need
- Fluids and Popsicles
- Warm salt water
- Over-the-counter fever reducer
- Saline nose drops
- Soups and broths
