The “best” flu remedy seems to differ by who you speak to. Some people think that particular over-the-counter medications are the best way to get relief. Others feel homeopathic remedies work the best. Still, others feel that only their physician can help make them make the right choice.
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Many believe the best flu remedy is to not get the flu. I’ve tried over-the-counter remedies, some homeopathic remedies, and have gone to my doctor when I’ve gotten bad cases of the flu.
17 Tips And Remedies For The Flu
Below I’ve listed some familiar, and some not-so-familiar remedies for the flu. Some of the remedies are homeopathic; others involve taking over-the-counter medicines; while others are prescription.
Take rest
Rest is a very essential part of combating the flu. Your body needs rest to help it combat the infection in your body. So give in to that craving to cuddle up under the covers and rest. You’re probably to feel better faster if you do.
Drink more fluids
Drink as many fluids are you can when you have the flu. Avoid drinks with caffeine since caffeinated beverages act as mild diuretics. Water is the best drink but can be hard for someone who feels unwell to drink enough of. Other good options of liquid are clear juices, Gatorade (or any of the other sports drinks available) as well as flavored water, and Pedialyte.
When I was a kid and had the flu my Mom often gave me 7-up to drink. I could sip it without feeling sick to my gut and it tasted fine so I was able to drink enough of it to keep myself from getting dehydrated.
Drink healthy juices
Drink healthy juices such as mangosteen, goji, noni, aloe vera, or acai berry. They are not only great juices to drink if you get the flu, but they can also help prevent it because the juices are good at immunity boosting. My personal health juice of choice is mangosteen juice. It tastes great and helps me feel better overall.
Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays to help relieve flu symptoms are available over the counter. One product is named Flu Relief. Nasal sprays aren’t as popular as most other remedies though because many people despise using nasal sprays.
Oral decongestant
Congestion is another symptom that a person may get with the flu. An oral decongestant can help ease the congestion. Again there are many over-the-counter products available to fight flu symptoms such as congestion. Vick’s vapor rub can also help ease congestion.
Throat lozenges
A sore throat can be another annoying symptom of the flu. Throat lozenges or sprays can help with the pain. I gargle with warm salt water every hour when my throat is sore. It’s a remedy my Mom used when I was little. It worked for me then and it still works for me now.
Shower Soothers
There are several products available to use in your bath or even your shower to help with the signs of the flu. Abra Bath for colds and the flu is a product you add to bathwater. It is stated to help relieve congestion, reduce body aches, and help relieve the chills associated with the flu.
The makers of Sudafed deliver a product called Sudacare Shower Soothers. They are tablets that react with warm shower water to create vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor to help with congestion.
Put your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide
This next item is more of a recommendation to save yourself from getting ill again rather than a remedy but I feel it’s a really good tip. Put your toothbrush in a cup with hydrogen peroxide in it to prevent you from re-infecting yourself (especially if you have a cold).
Toothbrushes are a haven for germs and the hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria on your toothbrush. You may decide to place your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide every day to kill the bacteria that accumulate.
Put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears
In addition to putting your toothbrush in a cup of hydrogen peroxide, you may want to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It can help kill flu (or cold) germs. Sometimes the hydrogen peroxide will prick a little. The process is to put a few drops in one ear with a cotton ball or a Q-tip. After a few moments drain the surplus fluid out onto a Kleenex or paper towel.
Then do the same thing in the other ear. Repeat the process after an hour or two. Continue to repeat until the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t bubble when it’s put into the ear (usually after 2 or 3 times). Hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective if it’s used as soon as possible after getting sick.
Elderberry extract
Elderberry extract can reduce the duration of the flu according to studies done in Israel. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist for advice on the dosage, and also to make sure it will not deter any other medications or supplements you may already be taking.
Boneset
Boneset is another herb used to help reduce the intensity and duration of the flu. It is normally added to boiled water, along with honey and lemon (to make it more comfortable to drink), and then sipped. Again, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist for the recommended dosage.
Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum is a popular homeopathic/natural product taken to help with the flu symptoms of body aches and pains, chills, and fever. One of the reasons it is so popular is that it does not induce drowsiness.
Naturoksinum
Naturoksinum is another natural flu remedy available. It is praised as being able to cut the severity of flu symptoms in half. It is one of the most popular flu remedies in France and is available for purchase in the United States.
Echinacea
Echinacea is another popular natural remedy for the flu. Furthermore, because it is an herbal product, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist to make sure it is safe for you to take and that it does not hinder any other medications or supplements you are currently taking.
Tamiflu and Relenza
Tamiflu and Relenza are two prescription medicines available for treating the flu. For either medication to perform best it should be taken within two days of the beginning of flu symptoms. Both Tamiflu and Relenza work by preventing the flu virus from infecting cells in the body that are still healthy, and they both work against influenza A and B.
Acetaminophen
Fever, headaches, and aching muscles are expected symptoms of the flu. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both available over the counter can aid relieve the pain.
Robitussin
A continued cough may be present when a person has the flu. There are many over-the-counter cough medications, such as Robitussin (which has a distinct formula of its ingredients for helping with flu symptoms), to aid calm a cough associated with the flu.
The bottom line
Always remember that the flu (relying on what strain you have contracted) can be a life-threatening illness if not treated properly. Don’t be scared to contact your physician if your symptoms don’t begin to get better in a few days or if they are very severe.
Another thing to remember when you have the flu (or are sick with anything else) is to only treat the symptoms you have. There are lots of over-the-counter products available to treat flu symptoms.
Many of those products relieve multiple symptoms. But you might not have all the symptoms that particular medication treats. Check for products that treat the symptoms you have, but nothing more. You don’t want to over-medicate yourself.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat illness and disease; nor is it intended as the dispensation of medical advice.
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