Flu Remedies. What to Do If You Get the Flu

woman with flu symptoms

Flu Remedies

What to Do If You Get The Flu

While we are thrilled to be going into the December holidays, we should not lose sight of flu season.  Naturally, with so many social gatherings and cold temperatures, it’s good to know that if you get the flu, what to do about it.  For this reason, we bring you some great flu remedies should you get the flu, to be able to get well fast.

At Altus Emergency Centers, we want to do our part by helping you recognize the symptoms of the flu and what to do if you get it.

woman with flu symptoms

What is the Flu?

Before we explore flu remedies, let’s get into flu symptoms and flue complications.  Many of us use the terms cold and flu interchangeably, but different viruses cause them.

Both illnesses can cause the following symptoms:

  • General fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Body aches

The main difference is flu symptoms are more severe and can lead to more severe conditions. Among the most common flu complications we have:

  • Bacterial Pneumonia which is a severe and potentially deadly lung infection
  • Sinus Infections
  • Ear Infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Sepsis (the condition can be life-threatening, its cause is due to the body’s response to an infection)
man with a headache

Symptoms of the Flu

Everyone experiences the flu differently, but these are some of the most common symptoms:

  • Fever ranging from 100°F to 104°F
  • A persistent dry cough which may become painful and be accompanied by shortness of breath and chest discomfort
  • Muscle aches especially in the neck, back, arms and legs
  • Severe headache
  • Fatigue
man with a flu

How to Know if You Have the Flu

Because flu symptoms are like those of cold and other illnesses, the sure way to know if you have it or not is to get tested for the influenza virus.

All Altus Emergency Centers can test for the influenza virus. We offer the rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), which provides results in as little as 10 minutes; however, it’s not always accurate.

We also provide a more accurate rapid molecular assays as well as several more precise and sensitive flu tests through our clinical lab.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have the flu, please don’t hesitate to visit our nearest facility.

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

Flu Remedies: What to Do When You Have the Flu

Unfortunately, few medications are effective at treating the flu; most medications help ease the symptoms associated with the illness.

So, if you get the flu this season, the best thing to do is to stay home and rest. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating certain foods can help your body recover faster.

Proper nutrition is essential to keeping your immune system in good health, and when your body is fighting off the flu virus, your diet becomes even more important.

When you have the flu, make sure your diet includes the following foods:

Make Hydration a Priority

Make sure to drink water and warm fluids to help flush out the phlegm and mucous.  This also helps fight dehydration.

Your best bet are:

  • Natural teas with lemon and honey
  • Light broths
  • Water
  • Oral electrolyte solution
  • Low sugar juices
  • Fruit

What to Avoid:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes, tabacco

Spice of Life!

Some spices can also help play a good role in flu recovery:

  • Adding a bit of cinnamon into tea will help soothe a sore throat.
  • Speaking of a sore throat, peppermint tea is great as it helps ease the throat and treats congestion as well.
  • Boiling fresh ginger in water is a tea that is great to help ease nausea, boosts the immune system and helps ease night a night cough.

Protein

Lean meats, fish, and poultry, as well as eggs, legumes, nuts, and dairy, will help your immune system stay healthy thanks to the vitamin B6 and B12 contained in them.

If you don’t feel like eating a whole portion of meat, you can have some chicken soup, which will provide nourishment as well as fluids.

protein-rich foods

Fruits and Vegetables

Both fruits and vegetables contain substances called flavonoids and antioxidants that are known to boost the immune system. Having a glass of low sodium vegetable juice or a glass of 100% fruit juice will provide vitamins and other nutrients.

Bananas are a good option if your symptoms include nausea or vomiting, as it is easy on the stomach, and it provides nutrients.

group of fruits and vegetables

When to Come to Our ER Centers

You won’t need to come to our ER unless your symptoms are severe. However, all Altus Emergency Centers are at your disposal should you experience any of the following:

  • Trouble breathing/shortness of breath
  • Lethargy/confusion
  • Inability to hold down water
  • High fever with rash
  • Severe headache

This flu season, do your best to avoid getting the flu, but rest assure Altus Emergency Centers will always be there to help nurse you back to health.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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