You've probably had a cold at one point.You can't go about your daily routine when flu symptoms are so intense.If you rest and stay hydrated you can recover faster.The best things you can do to reduce the length of the illness are listed.Natural remedies can be used to see if they can reduce the flu's duration.
Step 1: Either stay home from school or take time off.
Don't go out in public until you've been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.If you go out before you get over the flu, you could catch a new virus since your immune system is weakened.
Step 2: If possible, rest and sleep as much as possible.
You can reduce the amount of time you're sick by doing these things.Your body is using a lot of energy.Valuable energy can be used to fight the virus if you do too much around your house or work.It's important to rest a lot during the first week of the flu because you'll feel the weakest and most tired.
Step 3: You can use a hot water bottle to relieve muscle aches.
The first 3 days of the flu can cause your body to be sore.If you want to relax your muscles, soak in a hot bath for at least 20 minutes.Put a hot water bottle under your back or legs if you don't feel like taking a bath.If you don't feel like getting out, the hot water bottle is a great option.
Step 4: You should wear layers so you don't get cold.
When you have the flu, you might find that you're not feeling well.Soft layers are easy to add on or remove depending on how you're feeling.A loose long-sleeved shirt over a comfy T-shirt is how to wear it.You can remove the shirt if you feel hot.If you get cold, add a fleece top.
Step 5: If you need help from family or friends, ask.
You might feel like you're falling behind if you don't take a break from your responsibilities.If you need help around the house, reach out to your family or friends.This will allow you to recuperate.Ask a friend to take you to the pharmacy instead of driving you there.You could ask your mom to help you care for your kids.
Step 6: Take OTC pain killers to get rid of aches.
You can use medication to manage your flu symptoms, even if you can't take it to treat the flu.Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to lower your temperature, soothe your headaches, or relieve muscle pains during the early days of the flu.Follow the manufacturer's instructions when taking OTC pain killers.
Step 7: You can relieve a sore throat by sucking on lozenges.
If you feel like swallowing a throat lozenge, suck it on.There isn't much research to suggest that lozenges reduce the length of the flu.If you use a cold and flu lozenge, make sure it has acetaminophen in it.Since it could result in an overdose, don't use it with OTC acetaminophen.gargle a glass of warm water if you have a sore throat.
Step 8: Administer decongestants to help clear a nose.
If you're having trouble breathing through your nose, you might find it hard to breathe.You can either take it by mouth or spray it into your nostrils.They will shrink your swollen blood vessels.Talk to your doctor if you have a chronic health condition or are taking other prescription medications.
Step 9: If you're in a high-risk group, contact your doctor right away.
If you're in an at-risk group for developing flu-related problems, you should call your doctor.If you are 65 years old or older and have had a baby within the last 2 weeks, you should call your doctor.
Step 10: Within the first 48 hours, take anti-flu medication.
If you're in a high-risk group or call your doctor when you notice flu symptoms, they may prescribe antiviral medication.If you have a prescription, you may need to take 2 pills for up to 5 days or get an IV solution for 15 to 30 minutes.Antivirals can be used as a liquid or powder.The amount of time that you're sick can be reduced by using the antivirals.
Step 11: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
If you have a cold or a cough, your body is losing fluids that you need to drink.If you're awake, try to drink a glass of water every hour.If you're tired of drinking water, sip: Diluted juice or sports drinks.
Step 12: To soothe a sore throat, sip warm tea.
Warm liquids feel better on your throat than cold water.Let the tea cool before you drink it.You can coat your throat with honey if you have an extra scratchy throat.Like other beverages, decaffeinated tea won't keep you awake.Warm liquids can thin mucus.
Step 13: You can eat soups that fill you up and give you hydration.
If you don't feel like eating much, sipping on clear soup can help you fight the flu.Chicken noodle soup is a great way to warm you up and keep you hydrated.If you feel like eating, choose hydrating foods such as watermelon or cucumbers.If you have the flu, don't eat processed food and drinks with added sugar.
Step 14: It's a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol or coffee.
Cold and flu drugs shouldn't be combined with alcohol.Dehydration and nausea can be caused by alcohol and caffeinated drinks.Water is the best thing for your body.
Step 15: Take a supplement if you want to eat foods that are rich in vitamins C and E.
Make sure to include at least one serving of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet because they are rich in vitamins C and E.You can take a supplement to make sure you are getting enough vitamins.You can reduce the duration of your flu symptoms by taking a lot of vitamins.There is a chance that reduced cold duration may be helpful for the flu.
Step 16: Elderberry syrup can be drunk on a daily basis.
Elderberry syrup can be found in the supplements section of many grocery stores.At the first signs of the flu, take the syrup daily.It may help to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of your symptoms.There are Elderberry supplements in pill and lozenge form.
Step 17: At the first signs of the flu, try taking a zinc lozenge.
Zinc-laden lozenges can be found in a drug or grocery store.Taking zinc supplements at the first signs of a cold may help reduce the duration of the flu.
Step 18: The flu can be prevented with a daily supplement of vitamins D and D.
If you get the flu, you may want to take a daily supplement of vitamins D and D.The flu and common cold can be prevented with the help ofvitamin D.Adults can take up to 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day.
Step 19: The first signs of the flu are when you drink a cup of tea.
It is possible to reduce the duration of the flu by drinking Echinacea tea.If you have symptoms on the first day, start with 6 cups and drink less the rest of the day.On the first day, drink 6-7 cups, 4-5 cups on the second day and 3-4 cups in the third and fourth days.Most grocery stores have Echinacea tea.