Feel a Flu Coming On, or Have One and Feeling Miserable? Here are the Best Practices to Beat the Flu Faster (2020)

Influenza is a viral infection that targets your respiratory system which is the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly known as the flu. This flu is not similar to the stomach flu that causes diarrhoea or vomiting. For the majority of the people, influenza resolves on its own, but in some rare cases they require medical help. The flu is very contagious and spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets. A person can easily spread it while sneezing, talking or shaking hands with other people.

The best way to avoid or get rid of a flu is to be hydrated all the time. The more water intake you have, the better it gets at healing your body. A study also claims that drinking water is the best alternative to ward off a flu. It is recommended that individuals have about eight glasses of water per day to hydrate themselves. People who have less water intake are at a higher risk of catching the flu and having worse conditions. Water is a crucial element that is required for every body function. Hence, make it a practice to indulge in lots of water every day to keep off flu and other illnesses. The best way to stay hydrated is to keep a bottle of water near your work table, sofa and bed. Keep sipping at regular intervals to make sure you get the required amount of water per day.

Better sleep is known to strengthen the immune system which will help in fighting the flu faster. You will also make a speedy recovery due to enough sleep. Sleep is closely associated with AcPb which is a brain protein. It is known to help in beating the flu faster. Sleep has an important role in health, be it short term or long term. On the other hand, sleep deprivation is known to weaken your immune system which makes you prone to diseases and illnesses. When you have the flu with chills, that simply means that your body is at work and it needs an ample amount of sleep to recover. Adults should sleep for about 7-8 hours per day while children should sleep for about 10-12 hours. Rest is the key to a good body and mind.

Your mom has probably told you this multiple times and she is right. Salt is known to have properties that kills pathogens, thus freeing you from the flu. When your throat is coated with salt, it loosens mucus and reduces inflammation. This helps in flushing out the dangerous germs present in your throat and eliminates them. Even when you do not have symptoms of sore throat, it is always better to gargle with warm salt water to prevent cold symptoms. A study suggests that people who gargled often experienced less cold symptoms. If you have the flu, gargle upto 3 times a day to relieve sore throat or cold symptoms.

Herbal teas are a great way to fight off flu. There are various kinds of herbal teas that you can try to suit your taste. Herbal teas have medicinal value that can help you feel better in no time. Sipping on these teas has a dual benefit. First, their medicinal properties speed up your recovery while on the other hand you stay hydrated too. For example, peppermint tea has menthol that is known to have an anaesthetic feeling on your throat. Peppermint comprises antiviral and antimicrobial properties which is good for fighting the bacteria. Another great remedy for herbal tea is chamomile. The dried leaves have been used for decades to help you sleep better.

When you are feeling under the weather, it is important to maintain certain practices that ensure you recover fast. Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick. Also, if you feel sick, make sure you stay at home so as to avoid spreading the disease. Use a handkerchief, or a tissue when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of the illness. Trash the used tissue in the dustbin after each use. Diseases like flu are usually spread by cough or water droplets that escape the mouth. Wash your hands often to kill any germs that might be present. If any alcohol based washes are not available, you can simply use some soap and water to clean your hands. Finally, make sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth. Practising these hygienic habits will help in fighting the flu.

While a disinfectant cleaner will help you clean the surfaces and other parts of your home, it is equally important to consider the air that you breathe at home. Especially, during the winters, windows are usually sealed tight and the heaters are on full blast. This causes the air in the room to be stagnant. Use portable purifiers that are mostly recommended by doctors and allergists. This will help in cutting down germs from the air that you breathe. Air purifiers are known to remove the smallest of microbes which reduces the chances of airborne diseases. Ensure you buy a model that has a HEPA filter.

When you have the flu, a majority of people do not like to have much food. Their desire to eat pretty much dies down. However, there are certain kinds of foods that help in speedy recovery of the flu. Having highly nutritious food is a great way to speed up your metabolism. Stock yourself on some green leafy vegetables as they provide the right amount of nutrients needed to recover. Indulge in a variety of soups that may help in warding off the flu. It is also recommended to eat bland food as you may lose sense of taste or smell. You can have bland foods like brown rice or toast which are simpler to eat. You can also pair brown rice with soups to give it a perfect balance. Include leafy vegetables as a must as they ensure the body is getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins.

Steam inhalation is one of the best methods to soothe a congested nasal passage. It is known to give you instant relief. Menthol is also known to have various properties that help in relieving flu symptoms. While using the steam therapy, it involves inhalation of water vapour. The warm air is known to loosen the mucus and relieves blocked nasal passage. Steam inhalation makes you feel a lot better when your body is busy fighting off the flu virus. Menthol is an added benefit to the steam that clears up any headache, throat irritation, congested nasal passage, cough or any other breathing problems. It is recommended to take steam for about three times per day to relieve yourself of the cold and flu.

Honey is known to contain antioxidants, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which is very helpful in fighting off the flu and cold symptoms. Honey has been associated with cold ever since long, as honey is known to help relieve a sore throat and reduces inflammation. It is the most natural and effective method to soothe your cold and fight off the flu. Honey is also known to boost the immune system. Take a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of honey in it. Consumption of this mixture is known to work wonders on your body. It will prevent your body from getting the flu in the future and also strengthen your immune system to a great level.

Garlic has been used for decades both as a medicine and a food ingredient. Consuming garlic has been known to have multiple health benefits. It helps in improving mental health, reduces the risk of heart disease, and boosts the immune system. Garlic has been extensively used to ward off or fight common cold or the flu. Garlic is a great treatment to prevent as well as treat the flu. Multiple studies have reported that garlic extensively reduces the risk of falling sick in the first place. On the other hand, if you fall sick, it reduces the time and you recover soon. It also reduces the severity of the symptoms of the cold and flu. You can have the garlic raw as well to get the full benefits of the ingredient. Else, you could add them to any dish you like in abundance and consume them.

Cough over time leads to the start of a fever. Hence, it is important to take care if you seem to have symptoms of any cough. Drink a lot of warm water to relieve your sore throat. Additionally, indulge yourself in natural remedies around to cure the cough symptoms. The more natural the methods, the easier it gets. A study suggests that having warm water is known to soothe a cough and reduce its severity. Make sure to have at least 5-6 glasses of hot water each day until the cough has been eliminated.

Having a shower in hot water will moisten the nasal passage and give you relief from the flu. It will also relieve your congestion if any. If you experience any body aches due to the flu, taking a hot shower will help you relax your body and mind. Although, a shower won't ease out your flu, it helps at making you feel better. Take a hot bath twice a day to relieve the symptoms.

In young children, the signs of emergency or signs that indicate medical help are difficulty in breathing, fast breathing, change of colour to bluish or grey, severe or continuous vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting much, the child being very irritable such as he/she does not want to be held, flu like symptoms go away but return with equal vigour with cough or severe cold. In adults, the signs that indicate medical help are breathlessness, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, sudden dizziness, pressure or pain in the chest or abdomen, severe or continuous vomiting, flu symptoms going away but returning with equal force.

Being sick with a flu does not or should not affect your breathing. Hence, if you feel any difficulty in breathing, make sure to visit the doctor immediately. Pneumonia is a serious complication of the flu. Additionally, if you are pregnant and have a flu, ensure to visit a doctor who will suggest required doses. There is a high risk of complications when you are pregnant. There is also a higher risk of your baby being premature or born with low birth weight. Also if you suffer from asthma or any other kind of heart disease, ensure to see a doctor soon if you have a flu. Individuals above the age of 50 should also seek medical help when the flu has not resolved even after one week.