Every year, during the months of fall and winter, one thing that we all try to avoid getting is the flu. Eventually, some of us do get it and the right thing to do in these cases is to make sure that proper care is taken by the individual who has gotten the flu.
While it is true that there are no cures that can just get rid of it automatically, there are, however, a lot of things that can be done to ease the symptoms of the flu. If you or a loved one has gotten the flu, try out the following methods in order to help ease the symptoms of the illness.
Table of Contents
1. Get Plenty of Rest and Stay Home
The flu happens to be extremely contagious so you ought to mind your manners when you do contract the virus. At the very beginning of noticing the symptoms, make sure that you tell your workplace or school that you will not be able to make it for a few days. The reason is very simple; you are sick and you are also extremely contagious. Make the most of this down time and give yourself ample time to relax and to get some well-deserved rest. Just chill at home while you recover from the flu. Do whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed.
2. Make sure you are getting enough fluids into your body.
After you become aware that you have gotten the flu, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure that you are consuming enough fluids every day. Remember, when we say fluids, we do not just mean water. It can also be fruit juices, soups made from broths such as chicken noodle soup or even maybe sports drinks. The main reason behind this is that it keeps our respiratory system properly hydrated and that can really help with turning the nasty and thick mucus into a liquid that is thin which can then be coughed up or just spat out.
3. Make Sure to Treat Any Aches You Have and also the fever.
If you happen to find yourself suffering with a fever when you get the flu, remember that this is very normal. What has happened is that your body has amplified its heat production in order to fight the virus.
You should probably look into treating it if you happen to feel uncomfortable or you get any aches that normally accompany this type of fever. A lot of over-the-counter medicines can come in handy. Make sure that you consult your doctor so as to know which medication will be ideal for you.
4. Attend to your cough
The over-the-counter treatments mentioned above can really help you with calming your hack. You may also want to try an expectorant. This basically turns the mucus into liquids so that it is much easier for you to cough it out. Make sure that you never give over-the-counter cold or cough medication to any children who are under the age of 4.
5. Make use of the humidifier
If you find that air in the house you are staying at is a bit dry, you can try to make use of a vaporizer or a mist humidifier. These can help moisten the air within the house and then potentially help with easing congestion and also coughs. Make sure that you do not use a mist that is warm as this can really promote growth of bacteria and also molds. Finally, always make sure that the device is kept clean so as to stop it from getting molds.
6. Get salty.
Nose drops with saline and sprays happen to be available over the counter at almost all drug stores and grocery stores. These things work and they are also safe to use as well, even if it is for kids. When using these devices, pour several drops of the substance into one nostril and then proceed to gently blow both the mucus and also the saline out. Make sure that you repeat the process for the other nostril as well until both of your nostrils become unblocked.
7. Consider Light Therapy
Light therapy is a type of therapy that works by mimicking the natural light of the outdoors in an indoor setting. This type of therapy has been around for quite some time and it is also a very safe method of therapy with almost no side effects as well. There are particular types of light therapy devices which have shown a lot of promise in helping ease the symptoms of the flu. Make sure you consult with your doctor or physician prior to embarking on your light therapy journey. They can tell you exactly what type of light therapy will work best for you. Using light therapy can go a long way in helping alleviate the symptoms of the flu. You can even try to set up a light therapy device at home and you can take it within the comfort of your own house.
