Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a common illness during the cold season. This condition can take days or even weeks to get over the flu. Throughout this time, you might feel miserable.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are the go-to remedies for the Yakima flu. However, natural remedies could also help manage your flu symptoms. Here are some at-home flu remedies that could help you and your kin feel better quicker during flu season.
1. Get Adequate Rest
Do not attempt to keep up with your routine schedule if you have the flu. Pay attention to your body. You may feel weary and may even experience fevers because of the viral infection.
Rest facilitates the body’s ability to battle infection. By sleeping more than usual, you may conserve energy and provide your immune system with what it requires to do its job. It is important to consider taking a break from work, or school until the symptoms subside.
2. Drink Plenty of Fluids
While you may not have much of an appetite, it is crucial to remain hydrated once you have the flu. For starters, a fever could dry you out because the moisture within your lungs evaporates faster once the body temperature is high.
The cold air during winter months can also worsen your symptoms. A dry nose and throat can thicken mucus, making it difficult to clear. Remain hydrated for your comfort as well as to keep your immune system functioning at its best.
3. Utilize A Humidifier
Influenza spreads faster in dry environments. Thus, increasing humidity levels in your house can reduce exposure to this flu-causing virus. Enhanced humidity levels can also alleviate nasal swelling, rendering it easier to breathe when you are sick.
Momentarily incorporating a cool-mist humidifier into the bedroom can help you feel more comfortable. This measure is beneficial in winter when dry indoor heat worsens your symptoms. Adding several eucalyptus oil drops could also stimulate your breathing.
4. Inhale Steam
Breathing in steam from a warm water pot could help soothe the nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses. Steam inhalation or steam therapy utilizes water vapor to help reduce mucus congestion. The warm and moist air could also alleviate lung and nose inflammation.
Moreover, steam inhalation soothes an irritated nose, chest tightness, and dry cough. Always check the temperature of the steam before breathing in, and keep your hands and face far away to avoid burning or scalding yourself.
5. Drink Herbal Tea
Tea could be a great way to remain hydrated, even when sick. Some teas, such as green tea, can also reduce your likelihood of acquiring a flu or other viral infection. The steam from the hot tea could also moisturize and cleanse nasal passages.
Numerous individuals add honey as a sweetener to help suppress the cough. Moreover, adding lemon could also help break up mucus and congestion.
In most cases of the flu, you will probably not have to see a specialist. You can enjoy relief from your flu symptoms with one or a combination of the natural remedies highlighted above.
However, if you notice your symptoms not improving after several days or experience serious or unusual symptoms, consult your doctor. Some cases of flu might require prescription medications to manage symptoms.
