Are you constantly battling with the flu? Well, you’re not alone! The flu virus is a contagious respiratory illness, and it’s all around us. Estimates from the CDC show that about 5 to 20% of all children and adults will become infected with the flu virus each year. In this article, we will go through the most efficient ways to fight the flu.

What Is Flu?

Let’s begin by defining flu, it is a fever that lasts for days, accompanied by chills, aches, and tiredness. The flu is not the same as cold because a cold can last for up to two weeks, while the flu usually lasts for less than two weeks. 

Furthermore, it is a contagious illness of the respiratory system, characterized by fever, cough with the production of mucus or phlegm, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, and headaches. Influenza is a severe disease that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the earlier you catch it, the better chance your body has to fight off the germs.

Tips On Dealing Flu Virus

It can be tough to prevent getting sick during cold and flu season, no matter how hard you try. After all, the influenza virus makes no distinction between healthy and unwell people or between young and older adults. However, there’s a lot of things you can do to fight the flu virus. Here are some of the best remedies for fighting the flu.

Wash Your Hands

It might be the right time for you to assess your physical hygiene when you constantly experience flu symptoms. To avoid contracting the virus, make sure to wash your hands often. It is a simple way to prevent the flu, but it does help. 

There are many ways to prevent the flu, but using good hygiene practices is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy. Although you may feel fine and may not be contagious at the moment, one wrong move could lead to a spread of germs before you know it. 

Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Being hydrated will always make a difference. Make sure you drink plenty of water whenever you experience the flu. It’s hard to know how long it will take for the flu to pass, but it is always important to stay hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids, such as water or oral rehydration solution if necessary. Reaching for a cool glass of water will help clear your sinuses and reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. 

Furthermore, fruit juices, sports drinks, and broth-based soups are all acceptable substitutes for water. Research shows that introducing one gram of bone broth to the daily diet for just three days will cut flu symptoms by over 50%. This one tip alone will make a world of difference.

Take Lots Of Rest

Your body is in much need of rest when you experience the flu. Why? You’re sick, and it’s highly contagious. If you’re exhausted, your immune system doesn’t function as well, and it’s easier for the virus to take over. Many people think that they need coffee to stay awake, but sometimes that causes them heartburn.

Well, imagine yourself getting hit with a virus that has your body working overtime to fight it off. When you are resting, there is less strain on your body, and it can use the extra energy to heal instead of being taxed all day, every day. 

Have Some Throat Soother

Gargle a teaspoon of honey or apple cider vinegar mixed with a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Repeat every couple of hours, soothing a sore throat and keeping germs at bay. Honey also has antibacterial properties, which help prevent bacteria from harming other cells in your throat or lungs.

Get the Flu Vaccine

It’s the most effective technique to avoid getting the flu. Vaccination protects more than just your health. It also protects the well-being of others. The vaccination is simple and not painful, and it is recommended to be taken from five to eighteen months before flu season. Vaccination has almost eradicated the disease with no chance of its return.

Do yourself a favor and get vaccinated. The sooner you start, the less likely you’ll be able to catch the flu that can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain damage, or even death. With early testing possible with your doctor’s help now, if you don’t have a flu vaccine yet, it’s just too easy not to get one! It will only take a few minutes in your doctor’s office for them to administer a vaccination that could save your life.

Stay At Home

It’s given that you stay at home when you have the flu. It is not for only your benefit but also for the people around you. You’ll be experiencing some symptoms like fever and coughing, and you can infect others with your germs. It would be best if you took care of yourself so that the flu doesn’t worsen.  

Viruses also transmit through the air, so stay away from someone who appears to be sick. Some people who are infected with the flu virus, however, do not always appear ill. Vaccines and proper handwashing can help.

Clean Your Space

After experiencing the flu, you may want to clean your space to remove the virus around you. Here are some of the best tips to clean your area to prevent flu from coming back.

• Do a deep clean of your house by vacuuming and then scrubbing your bathroom and kitchen to remove contaminants.
• Clean up all the things you touched while you were sick, like doorknobs, dishes, or anything else. It will help reduce the surface area for the virus to live on not to spread as quickly. 
• Ventilate! Since flu viruses are airborne particles, dry air in your home can make it easier for them to spread. So try opening windows or turn on a fan when you vacuum or clean up anything with surfaces for bacteria (which is pretty much everything).

Takeaway

The flu virus is highly hazardous and can prove fatal. It’s important to know that you can’t simply wish away the flu-like some other illness. When the flu is in your system, and you are suffering from fever, chills, aching muscles, headaches, and coughing, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t do: Ignore it.

Follow the tips above, and most importantly, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and keep their advice in mind if things don’t get better soon. There are plenty of prescription drugs available for people who suffer from the flu. Flu shots also provide a great defense against this dreaded virus.