Are you feeling under the weather with the flu? Don’t let the infection ruin your day. There are many home remedies and natural treatments that can help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of influenza. This post will provide you with some of the most effective remedies to help you fight off the flu and get back on your feet. We’ll discuss the importance of rest and hydration, the best foods and supplements to consume, and how to make the most of over-the-counter medicines. With these simple tips and remedies, you’ll be back in action in no time.
What Exactly is Influenza?
Influenza is a flu caused from infection with influenza viruses and is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness. The main effects of the influenza viruses are on the upper respiratory tract, the nose and throat, with possible spread and involvement of the lungs and bronchi. The disease is highly contagious and it has potential to cause wide spread epidemics affecting sizable portion of a population at any time. Although it is more common during winter it may strike at any time.
Common Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of influenza include sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, body aches, headache, fatigue, fever, and chills. It affects people of all ages. When new strains of influenza virus arise, they spread rapidly around the world, infecting millions of people and causing many deaths. Influenza usually begins with a chill, fever, headache and severe muscular pains which makes you feel miserable and weak. It causes an inflammation in the nose and throat, which may spread down the windpipe to the lungs, resulting in a sore throat, cough, running of the nose and eyes. Also, coughing is more pronounced. In milder case of influenza the temperature rises to 102 F and lasts for two or three days. In severe cases, it may go up to 104 F and last for four or five days. The consequent weakness and fatigue may continue for several weeks. This may be followed by a deep chest cough due to irritation in the windpipe.
Root Causes
The virus spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets tiny drops of moisture released into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, and sneezes. Flu viruses can also survive on inanimate objects for two to eight hours. Influenza is passed on with ease from one affected person to an other especially to those who are also in an equally low vital stage. Contagion begins the day before symptoms develop and extends for a week after symptoms begin. Most symptoms resolve within three to six days. However, fatigue and cough can linger for a few weeks.
Home Remedies
There is one famous say, “starve a fever; feed a cold”. But if you want to get better, you have to eat. Listen to your body and eat when you feel like it. Simple food helps your body heal, so eat foods that you can digest, such as broths, rice, and soft proteins. And drink plenty of fluids to replace those you’ve lost through fever, coughing, and congestion. Also here are some quick home remedies.
- Soothing Garlic and Onion: Honey is soothing to inflamed respiratory passages and antibacterial. It’s safer than over-the-counter cough remedies and at least as effective. Garlic is expectorant that helps clear respiratory mucus and antimicrobial, including antiviral activity against influenza. Onion is antimicrobial and is used in folk medicine to clear respiratory mucus and open tight airways. Take 1 head garlic. Using the flat of a knife, gently crush each clove just enough to crack it open. Place the garlic cloves in a pint-size jar. Layer on thin sliced 2 onions. Cover the garlic and onion with honey and cap the jar. Let the mixture sit in a warm place overnight. Take a spoonful of the honey to coat your throat; eating the garlic and onion will also provide relief. If you prefer not to eat the garlic and onion, you can strain the honey into a separate jar.
- Inflamed Respiratory Passage: Half a teaspoonful of the powder of the long pepper with two teaspoonfuls of honey and half a teaspoonful of juice of ginger should be taken thrice a day. This will help greatly if taken in initial stages of the disease.
- Antibacterial Folk Remedy: Another excellent remedy for influenza is the green leaves of basil or tulsi plant. About one gram of these leaves should be boiled along with some ginger n half a liter of water till about half the water is left. This decoction should be taken as tea. It gives immediate relief.
- Fever Reducer: Heat mustard oil and apply as a compress to the head to reduce fever.
- Hot Chicken Soup Ancient Cure: Chicken soup has been used to soothe flu and colds since the ancient times. Choose any of your favorite chicken soup recipes. Make sure to add lots of garlic, onion and little bit of ground black pepper. Drinking warm liquids will keep you hydrated and help ease a sore throat; the steam helps to clear nasal passages.
- Treatment with Herbs: Crush root ginger, add to a little honey and lime, and drink as required.
- Some warmed apple juice (preferably fresh) can ease the fever.
- Traditional Healing for High Fever: Barley water is a traditional remedy for high fever particularly one caused by infection and inflammation.
- Try Herbal Tea: Ginseng powder can be added to herbal teas to restore.
- Warm Bath to Reduce Pain: Some plant essential oils reduce pain – eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, peppermint, and ginger etc. You can find them at most natural food stores. A warm bath with one of the essential oil can help reduce aches and pains. The moisture from a bath or shower will also help loosen congestion in the respiratory tract. Drop the essential oils into the Epsom salts. Add the salts to hot, but not scalding, bathwater. Blend the salts into the water with your hand. Get into the bath and soak. Be sure to get out of the bath if it cools too much and you start to shiver. Becoming chilled could make you feel worse.
- Ease Fever: Drink hot lemon and honey in a cup of warm water to ease inflammation and fever.
- Germ Killing Gargle: Gargle with lemon juice to kill germs and help to stop the spread of the virus.
Influenza Prevention Tips
- Get a yearly vaccination against influenza. it’s one of your best strategies for avoiding the flu. People older than six months get vaccinated each year. The vaccine doesn’t protect against other viruses that cause flu like symptoms. While you may still develop influenza, your symptoms will be relatively mild.
- Wash your hands (and your small children’s hands) frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay hydrated but don’t drink too much orange or grape juice, it could worsen your cough, as it contains citrus acid.
- Ramp up the humidifier. the extra moisture will help calm a dry, hacking cough.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow.
FAQs.
Q. What is the Ayurvedic treatment for influenza?
The Ayurvedic treatment for influenza typically involves taking herbal medicines, such as Tulsi, Guduchi, Ashwagandha, and Amalaki, to support the body’s natural healing processes. Other treatments may include steam inhalation with specific herbs, Nasya (therapeutic nasal oil drops), and special dietary guidelines.
Q. Can Ayurveda cure viral infection?
Ayurveda can help to treat viral infections by strengthening the immune system. It may also help to reduce the symptoms and speed up the recovery process. However, it is important to note that Ayurveda is not a substitute for conventional medical treatments and should never be used as a replacement for a doctor’s advice.
Q. How often do we need to get vaccinated against influenza?
It is recommended that people get a flu vaccine every year.
Q. What is the fastest way to cure influenza?
The fastest way to cure influenza is to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
Q. What is the difference between an influenza A vaccine and an influenza B vaccine?
An influenza A vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of influenza A viruses, while an influenza B vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of influenza B viruses. The two vaccines are distinct and are not interchangeable.
Q. Is influenza A dangerous?
Yes, Influenza A can be dangerous, especially for certain populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and can even be fatal in some cases. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid getting the virus, such as getting the flu shot, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding contact with people who may be infected.
Q. What are the benefits of getting an influenza vaccination?
- Reduced risk of getting the flu: Influenza vaccinations are the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
- Reduced severity of symptoms: Even if you do get the flu, the vaccine can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Reduced risk of complications: Getting the flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization, but getting a flu shot can help reduce your risk of these complications.
- Reduced risk of spreading the flu: Getting the vaccine can help protect those around you by reducing the spread of the virus.
- Cost savings: Getting a flu shot can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for medical care for flu-related illnesses.
Q. What is the most effective way to prevent influenza?
The most effective way to prevent influenza is to get an annual influenza vaccine. The vaccine helps protect against the most common strains of the virus, and it is important to get the vaccine each year as the virus can change from year to year. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding touching your face. Additionally, avoiding crowded places during peak flu season can help reduce the risk of infection.
Q. Does the seasonal influenza vaccine protect against other strains of influenza?
No, the seasonal influenza vaccine only protects against the strains of influenza that are most common during that particular season. Different strains of influenza can emerge throughout the year, so it is important to get vaccinated each year in order to be protected against the current strains of influenza.
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of influenza?
Signs and symptoms of influenza can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Q. What is influenza?
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. Symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue.
Q. What are the causes of influenza?
Influenza is caused by a virus, specifically the influenza A and B viruses.
- Influenza is caused by a virus. The virus is most commonly spread through contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets, including coughing and sneezing.
- Influenza can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as door handles and computer keyboards.
- People can also become infected with the virus by inhaling the virus after another infected person has coughed or sneezed near them.
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or cancer, are at greater risk of developing influenza.
Q. Is the flu a virus or bacteria?
The flu is a virus.
Q. What is the virus called which causes influenza?
The virus that causes influenza is called the Influenza virus.
Q. How to prevent influenza?
- Get the Influenza Vaccine: The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Washing your hands often, especially after coming in contact with anyone who may have the flu, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you suspect that you may have the flu, stay home and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs from the flu.
Q. How to prevent the flu naturally?
- Wash your hands often.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Take a daily vitamin supplement.
- Use natural remedies such as zinc, garlic, elderberry, and oil of oregano.
Q. What are the 4 types of influenza?
The types of influenza include:
- Influenza A
- Influenza B
- Influenza C
- Influenza D