There are several home remedies you can try to treat the flu virus. First, check with your doctor to confirm the presence of the virus. There are treatments you can take right away to shorten the duration of the flu. After that, you will need to just treat the symptoms of the flu until the virus passes.
How to Treat the Flu Virus
Step 1
Take a flu test from your doctor to confirm the virus's presence. If you can confirm the virus within the first two days of symptoms, you can take antivirals to reduce the length of the flu.
Step 2
Use over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines for relief, depending on your flu symptoms.
Step 3
Try popular home remedies to soothe flu symptoms: Get plenty of rest, drink extra fluids, take a steam bath or shower, sleep with a humidifier, take a saline nasal rinse or eat chicken soup. You can also gargle with warm water and salt to relieve a sore throat.
Step 4
Stay home from work or school. Get plenty of sleep and rest so your body has the strength to fight the virus. Avoid spreading the flu to others.
Step 5
Boost your immune system with a healthy diet that has plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your body overcome the flu.
Tips and Warnings
- Use pain relievers if needed, such as Tylenol or Motrin, but remember they won't help the flu end faster.
- Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under age 4. Call a doctor or seek emergency help if you have a fever higher than 102 degrees, an earache, repeated vomiting, shortness of breath or dizziness.
Things You'll Need
- Rest
- Liquids
- A doctor's visit
- Over-the-counter medications for flu symptoms
