Haemophilus Influenzae B, or the flu, is a respiratory infection that affects between 5 and 20 percent of Americans each year, states Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. In newborn babies and the elderly, the flu can be deadly. Symptoms of the flu are generally sudden and include muscle aches, chills, cough, fever, headache and sore throat. Early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and promote a fast recovery.
Fluid Intake
MayoClinic.com states that drinking plenty of fluids during the course of the illness can ease flu symptoms. During the infection, a patient will likely have a fever; this increase in body temperature can cause water to evaporate from the patient very quickly, which may result in dehydration. Dehydration alone can cause weakness, fatigue and an overall ill feeling. In addition, dehydration slows down the response of the body's immune system because blood in a dehydrated patient is thicker, resulting in slower movement of cells that fight off the infection. A patient should drink plenty of water, juice and soups to prevent dehydration. He will know if he is adequately hydrated if his urine is pale yellow to clear in color.
Rest
Often, adequate bed rest is the best remedy for the flu. Rest is necessary because more sleep helps the body's immune system fight infection, states MayoClinic.com. The patient's energy can then be directed to fighting the infection rather than completing other activities of daily living. Therefore, a patient should take a break from work and other daily activities until symptoms improve.
Medications
MayoClinic.com states that medications may be taken to fight the influenzae infection. Because influenzae is a virus, antibiotics should not be taken to fight this infection. Instead, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, known by the brand names Tamiflu and Relenza, respectively. These antivirals prevent the growth and spread of the virus. Furthermore, MayoClinic.com states that if these medications are used soon after the onset of symptoms, they may shorten the illness by a day or so. Side effects of antivirals include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, trouble breathing and the development of antiviral-resistant viruses. Thus, these medications should be used sparingly. The risks and benefits of taking these medications should be thoroughly discussed with a doctor.
