As the weather changes, everyone starts wondering how to avoid getting the flu. The common symptoms are that it starts with a sore throat or a runny, stuffy nose, and irregularity in breathing. It is extremely important to take precautions to speed up the recovery, as it is contagious. Professional consultation is advised if the health condition gets worse.
The following are some steps you can take to stay safe, and comfortable if you get sick:
Take Rest
It is advised to get enough sleep; adequate rest will help you regain energy to fight the virus. Lessen your usual routine work and put some of your errands on hold, prioritizing your sleep.
Stay Home
Staying home with the flu is advised to prevent the spread to people in the workplace and community. It is equally crucial to follow some precautions at home too like keeping your distance, washing your hands frequently, disinfecting your place repeatedly, covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing, doing saltwater gargles, etc.
Hot Showers
Hot showers before going to bed are favorable in soothing your flu symptoms. Inhaling the steam while showering will moisturize nasal passages and throat, easing your breathing. It will reduce muscle aches and provide extra comfort in sleeping.
Nebulize
Nebulizers help you to ease your breathing when suffering from a clogged chest and a blocked nose. It transfers the medication straight to the lungs and gives effective relief. The machine sprays medicated mist, clearing the nasal passage.
Ease Your Breathing
You can opt for many ways to help you breathe easily. Take an extra pillow while sleeping, elevate your head, or lay in a reclining position, and place a vaporizer or humidifier in your room. It will help reduce dryness.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help you combat dehydration in the flu. Boost your energy by consuming herbal teas with honey, as it is known to soothe your sore throat and reduce pain. Increase liquids in your diet but reduce caffeine and alcohol intake as they can cause dryness in the throat and nasal passage.
Herbal Tea
Consume herbal teas, plain black tea, or green tea with honey in it. Add turmeric and fresh or dried ginger and garlic cloves boiled with mint leaves as well.
Enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea, plain black or green tea with honey, and enhance its flavor with turmeric, ginger, garlic, and mint leaves.
Essential Oils
Flu can be treated by making combinations of essential oils and using them. Lemon, thyme, eucalyptus, oregano, and peppermint oils are quite effective.
Special Diet
It is extremely important to have a well-balanced diet with vitamins, minerals, and all the essential nutrition required by the body. Eating zinc-enriched foods will fight viruses. Add nuts, seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and red meat to your diet to cover the protein nutrition deficit in your body. Vitamin C is also an essential intake when suffering from viral infections. Elderberry is known as an ancient cure for cold and flu; it can be eaten directly, or you can make lozenges. Consuming liquids like coconut water, hot water with honey, fresh fruit juices, and warm broth will replenish your lost nutrients and help in regaining your immunity.
Get a Flu Shot
Keep yourself protected this flu season by getting vaccinated annually. It can help protect you from catching contagious diseases and provide comfort from body strains and fatigue later. Adding extra power to the immune system, the shot is advised by doctors as a preventive measure as well.
Anti-Allergy
Get a proper consultation with an ENT specialist and if prescribed, take the medicines like anti-allergy meds. However, many of these medicines can have side effects like nausea and vomiting, so it is strongly advised to refrain from self-medication.
Nasal Spray and Inhalers
Saline nasal sprays are very effective with a runny and stuffy nose. It also soothes your throat with blocked mucus. Inhalers can help reduce pressure and directly reach the lungs, providing relief and comfort instantly.
Flu can be dangerous, especially for babies and elderly people. It is advised to consult your healthcare professional, get an accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to prevent any complications. Use both home remedies and proper medicines to ease the symptoms in case you get the flu.
