Influenza or flu is an extremely contagious respiratory viral infection that likely occurs during winter season in epidemics. Sore throat or eyes, sudden fever, exhaustion, shivers, muscle pain, dry cough, and headache are common symptoms that appear 24 to 48 hours past contracting the viral illness. It is usually spread through direct contact and by coming in contact with daily used articles of the infected person such as handkerchief. Sneezes and cough are chief carriers of the infection.
What to do?
Curbing the total spell of influenza may not be necessarily possible. However, there are some helpful measures that will help to salvage the patient from the worse symptoms.
- It is consequential to consume enough fluids (such as fruit juice or water) when suffering from a flu. Broths, chicken soup, and other nourishing liquid intakes could be of ace importance
- Step-by-step increase in the regular activities could be practiced as you begin to feel better; however, it is strictly recommended to rest your body for a few days and abstain from unnecessary wearying activities
- You should not allow anyone smoking in your premises and neither should you smoke. This will aggravate the infection
- You could use a steam inhalation to get relieved from the feeling of being “stuffed-up”
- If your body starts displaying indications like bloody mucus, yellow or green cough, breathing problems, etc., or the symptoms don’t show any sign of being cleared up, you should immediately see a physician
- Other cases where you are old-aged, have been around internationally, or have long period disorders/diseases such as diabetes, heart or lung failure, etc., should also suggest you to consult a local doctor at prior basis
- You must ask your doctor about immunization course or flu jab in case you are elderly or have long term sicknesses
What can you do naturally?
A warm honey and lemon drink is one of the highly advisable natural remedy products for influenza. To prepare the drink, you would need hot water, liquid honey, and recently squeezed lemon juice. All you need to do is mix the lemon juice and honey (1 teaspoon each) with a cup of hot water. Warm and chilled drinks are studied to be some of the great healers and soothers of sore throat.
What are the drug remedies?
Ibuprofen is a common drug recommended to erase muscle ache, fever, and headache. Besides, there are different cold and flu remedies available for different symptoms. These may incorporate a decongestant and painkiller (paracetamol) while some may include caffeine. In order to prevent the jeopardy of overdose, you should always check the ingredients before administering the drugs as using the remedies with other drugs (painkillers) could pose a harm to the patient’s body.
Cough Suppressants (and Expectorants)
- Boots Nirolex Night Time Cough Relief Linctus
- Benylin Dry Cough
- Night Nurse
Antihistamines (runny nose)
- Clarityn Allergy
- Nytol
- Benadryl One a Day Relief
Decongestants (sinus and blocked nose)
- Vicks Sinex
- Otrivine Adult Menthol Nasal Spray
- Now-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Nasal Spray
