If you’ve suddenly been hit with a fever, cough, sore throat, or congestion, you’re probably dealing with the flu. Even though the flu usually goes away after a couple of weeks, there are tons of things you can do to support your body and feel more comfortable while you recover. Keep reading to learn about the best home remedies and medicines you can use to treat your flu symptoms and start feeling better.
Things You Should Know
- Get rest and stay hydrated so your immune system has the energy to beat the flu virus.
- You can manage flu symptoms with home remedies, like eating soup, gargling salt water, using hot and cold compresses, and humidifying the air.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold medicine can make you feel more comfortable while you get better, but won’t speed up your recovery.
- Get an antiviral prescription from your doctor if you feel severely ill or if your flu gets worse.
Steps
Foods to Eat and Avoid
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Tips
- Get a flu shot each year to help protect yourself from the virus. [26] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
- Many people use zinc and vitamin C supplements to treat the flu, but there isn’t a lot of evidence that they’re effective. [27] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
Warnings
- If you have difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, dizziness, severe weakness, or a fever that worsens, contact your doctor right away. [28] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to sourceThanks
- The flu has similar symptoms as COVID-19, so take a coronavirus test to ensure you get a proper diagnosis. [29] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm
- ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/9-natural-cold-and-flu-remedies
- ↑ https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-flu
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-eat-when-youre-sick/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007445.htm
- ↑ https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-flu
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6848701/
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/health/cold-flu/cold/how-to-give-nasal-drops/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/flu/Pages/caring-for-Your-childs-cold-or-flu.aspx
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/influenza_flu_homecare_guide.pdf
- ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
- ↑ https://www.getreliefresponsibly.com/sites/getreliefresponsibly_us/files/adult_dosing_chart.pdf
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/safe-ibuprofen-with-acetaminophen-2991821/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/safe-ibuprofen-with-acetaminophen-2991821/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13756--colds-and-flu-symptoms-treatment-prevention-when-to-call
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871211/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2504709/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/10-flu-myths
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-immune-boosters-with-vitamin-c-or-zinc-help-my-cold/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm
About This Article
To get rid of the flu, stay home from work or school and focus on resting. Drink a few cups of hot tea or warm water with lemon to soothe your throat and prevent dehydration. Clear your nose with a steamy bath or shower, and relieve your fever by placing a cool, damp cloth on your forehead. Take ibuprofen or aspirin to ease aches and pains and use antihistamines to deal with congestion. To help a child with the flu, stick with Tylenol and ibuprofen for kids. To learn more from our Doctor of Medicine co-author, such as how to prevent the flu or when to seek medical attention, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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