Must-Know Flu Remedies
- Best to avoid antihistamines: Antihistamines are not a good form of treatment for treating flu like symptoms instead it can lead to nasal drainage to get thicker.
- Application of petroleum jelly: In case if your lips or nose have become sore due to the repeated case of rubbing then it is good to apply some petroleum jelly to those affected regions. The individual can also make use of some disposable tissues which contain lotions.
- Best to avoid smoking: For those suffering from flu like symptoms should look to avoid smoking or even breathing secondary smoke since it can lead to worsening of the symptoms. Smoking tends to interrupt with the body’s natural process which often keeps the foreign particles out of the respiratory system which also includes the lungs or the nose. By reducing or quitting smoking during such periods it would reduce the chance of developing any other issues which can lead to serious forms of respiratory tract infection.
- Breathing moist air: For clearing those stuffy nose it would be ideal to breath in some moist air by using a sink full of hot water or a hot shower. By breathing in some moist air would help to ease the nasal congestion and also provide relief from the sore throat pain. One kind of good strategy is to indulge oneself in a steamy shower for multiple times in a day. You can also make use of steam vaporiser or a humidifier. Ensure to clean such machines often for avoiding any instances of mildew or mold.
- Drink lots of fluids: At such times it becomes important to drink plenty of water, soup or hot tea to provide ease to the scratchy throat thereby making the nasal mucus thinner. Also for those who suffer from vomiting or diarrhea should go in for hydrating their body. Electrolytes are also good for the body during these days. One should stay away from carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks. Use of herbal tea is known to soothe the sore throat. In case if you feel nauseous then try to take in small sips of liquids since taking the gulp can lead to throwing up.
- Important to get enough of rest: For those individuals suffering from flu the most important is ample amount of rest since the body would need rest for effectively fighting against the virus. Listen to what your body has to say. If the body is not fit enough for exercising, then it is best to avoid it and instead you can rest for those days. Do not try to press on with carrying out daily chores even while suffering from severe case of cold or flu symptoms.
- Medicines: Individuals who experience severe case of dry cough, hacking cough then use of cough suppressants would be helpful in reducing the cough reflex. At certain times one would need to get that nasty mucus out by coughing out and other times you would need to calm it down such as during sleep. In such cases the use of over the counter cough medicines would be very much helpful to provide relief. The use of expectorants can help to clear out the mucus in the cough. Cough suppressants are also known to be useful in reducing the urge to cough in case if you are not sure as to which medicine has to be taken then it is best to get in touch with the doctor.
- Keep the germs away: It is very much important to maintain cleanliness at home so as to prevent the germs and at the same time protecting the kids from falling sick on a frequent basis.
- Honey: Honey has become a common home remedy for any kind of nagging coughs mostly seen in small children. It is known to contain antibacterial as well as antimicrobial properties. By drinking honey as part of tea and along with few drops of lemon juice it would help to ease the pain in the throat. However, ensure to avoid giving honey to anyone younger than a year old since it contain botulium spores.
- Use of saline sprays or drops: Use of nasal drops or saline spray are seen as a common home remedy for keeping the congestion at bay.
