The WHO reports that more than 5 million people around the world suffer severe complications from the flu and almost half a million of them die every year. The flu is quite a common illness, but for some it can have life endangering consequences. It’s especially fatal for people who have a weakened immunity due to some sort of disease or the elderly who have a hard time coping with the infection. But the truth is that almost anyone can suffer severe symptoms from the flu and everyone is at risk.
Most common signs of the flu
Since the flu season is approaching is nice to new a few common facts about this infection and know how to react in time and take the appropriate measure. Here are some of the most common signs that you’re dealing with the flu:
- High fever (over 100 F)
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Aches in the joints and muscles
- Dry cough
- Chills
- Headaches
- Red, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
If you have some or a combination of these symptoms you’ve probably caught the flu and it’s best to start taking some steps to ease your condition and heal as quickly as possible.
Best treatments for the flu
If your condition is not serious it’s best to stay at home, avoid contact with other people, rest and drink plenty of fluids. You should take some antiviral drugs if your symptoms aggravate and maybe try some natural home remedies that can help you get back on your feet in no time.
Here are the best remedies for the flu:
Hydration
You may think you’re drinking plenty of fluids as it is, but when you’re dealing with the flu you need to increase the amount. The virus that’s spreading in your body is weakening it and your immune system is doing everything it can to fight it off. That’s why you need to drink as much fluids as you can so that your body can flush out the virus faster.
Eat soup
In addition to drinking lots of fluids, eating soup is also a very good remedy for the flu. Make sure the soup is homemade, chicken is the best, and that it has lots of veggies which are loaded with beneficial nutrients. Soup is an excellent choice of food when you’re sick because it’s easy on the digestive system and very healthy.
Inhalations
If you commonly suffer from the flu, you should consider investing in a steam inhaler. This will help break the mucus so that you can excrete it easier and get it out of your body. If you don’t have an inhaler you can breathe in the steam from a cup of tea, or brew a pot of tea and breathe in from the pot directly.
Plenty of rest
Your body is fighting an infection so it works overtime to get you back on your feet. That’s why you need to let it rest as much as you can while your immune system does its thing. You don’t have to sleep all day long, but try to be off your feet as much as you can, at least for a few days until you feel better.
