The flu is one of the most common and deadly diseases around. It’s estimated that every year, a third of people in the U.S. are infected with influenza, resulting in an average of 36,000 hospitalizations and about 24,000 deaths.
While it can be hard to avoid getting sick during a pandemic, there are things you can do after you fall ill to lower your risk of complications and shorten your recovery time.
Here are some easy tips on how to get rid of the flu fast.
Get plenty of rest
Rest is vital to getting well from any illness or injury. It also helps with healing from the flu. When you have a fever, rest by staying in bed and trying not to move much except when taking short bathroom breaks.
You should try to sleep as much as possible each night, taking care to keep all body fluids inside your body (including urine). This will help prevent dehydration.
If you aren’t sleeping enough, though, you won’t be able to fully recover from the flu. So if you need to stay awake for a while, try to take naps rather than staying up all night.
Don’t eat
When you feel better, start eating small meals again and begin drinking liquids like water, juice, or broth. You may even want to add some honey to your diet. Honey is full of enzymes that can boost your immune system and speed the healing process.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and spicy foods. They may make you feel better but they could also increase your risk of getting sicker.
Take a hot shower
After resting, head straight for the shower and wash away any germs that may still be floating around in your body.
It’s important to cleanse your skin because it’s where many viruses can enter your body. Make sure to scrub under your fingernails and between your toes too.
Stay hydrated
Your body needs water to survive. The more dehydrated you are, the more likely you are to become very sick from the flu.
That’s why it’s so important to drink lots of water throughout the day. Try to drink at least eight glasses per day, which equals two quarts of water. If you don’t like plain water, try adding lemon or orange slices or cucumber slices.
Some people find it easier to drink warm water instead of cold water. Cold water can cause your stomach to contract too much, which can lead to nausea and diarrhea.
Treat yourself to a flu shot
A vaccine can help protect you against both seasonal and swine flu. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid catching the flu, especially if you are planning on traveling outside the country or going out into public places.
Make sure you get the right type of flu shot depending on what strain of virus you might be exposed to. For example, if you are at high risk of catching bird flu, you’ll probably want a shot that protects against H5N1. That way, if you happen to come down with bird flu, you’re less likely to die.
You should also consider getting a flu shot if you spend a lot of time with young children or elderly relatives. These groups tend to be at higher risk due to their weaker immune systems.
Finally, check the expiration date on your vaccination certificate before heading out to the doctor or pharmacy.
Clean your house
Cleaning your home can help reduce your chances of getting sick from the flu. Start by wiping down surfaces like door handles, countertops, toilets, and light switches with disinfectant wipes. Then use bleach-based cleaners to wipe down floors and furniture.
You can also buy air fresheners that contain eucalyptus oil, which makes the smell of the flu stronger. Be careful, however, because these products are flammable.
Use natural remedies
There are several natural remedies you can try if you’ve been diagnosed with the flu. Some people swear by garlic supplements, tea tree oil, or ginger root capsules.
Other popular remedies include hot baths, vitamin C, and zinc lozenges. But before using them, make sure you consult your doctor first.
Stay connected with friends and family
Being isolated from loved ones can be depressing and frustrating. So if you can, don’t go completely off the grid. Just call or send text messages to let everyone know you’re okay and ask if anyone else has gotten sick.
In addition, encourage others who are sick to stay in bed as much as possible. Don’t leave them alone. You never know when they might pick something up from you.
Avoid crowds
If you must venture outside, try to limit your social contacts. Avoid large gatherings and crowded places. Stay home if you start feeling sick.
Also, try to avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging, and sharing drinks and food with other people. These may spread germs in your mouth or nose.
Try over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can help relieve symptoms of the flu. But don’t take too much or for too long, because these drugs can also interact negatively with prescription medicines and make you drowsy.
You might be thinking about how long does the flu last so for that we don’t have a specific answer as you can tackle it with your good immune system and if you are not having a good immune system then you have to take medicines which is being prescribed by a professional doctor. This will help you a lot and you well become well as soon as possible.
