Treating flu so it doesn't get worse

Flu is a disease caused by a viral infection that can attack the nose, throat and lungs. Flu or influenza is very common in transition season like today. This disease is very easy to transmit to other people, especially when the first 3-4 days after sufferer is infected with the flu virus.

Although common cold is one of the most common health problems, its symptoms can be very disturbing. To overcome this, there are various ways to treat flu that has just started that can be tried before flu condition gets worse.

Keep in mind, flu and colds are different conditions. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, whereas the common cold is caused by different viruses such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronavirus. Although both have similar symptoms, flu can be worse than a cold and symptoms are more intense and appear suddenly.

How to treat early symptoms of flu

Although it can't be cured with medication, getting over flu that has just started can help reduce risk of symptoms getting worse, and possibly speed healing.

These are steps we can take to treat flu that just emerged:

-Drink lots of fluids

Body needs water to function properly, including to fight infection. Lack of fluids can make flu symptoms worse. Fluid needs are not only met from drinking water, but also from eating soup, broth or fresh fruit. Buddy can get fluid intake from anywhere, except alcohol and high-sugar drinks. Even so, plain water is still best choice.

-Enough sleep

Sleep is an important part of recovery for body. When you start to feel flu symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or watery eyes, make sure your body gets enough sleep. This will give immune system a chance to fight off the infection. People who are sleep deprived are rated at a much greater risk of getting the flu when compared to people who sleep more than 7 hours per night. So, way to treat a cold that is just starting is to get plenty of rest and get enough sleep every night.

-Manage stress

Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds. In addition, when stressed, hormone cortisol in body will increase and make immune system more vulnerable. Therefore, when you start to catch a cold, you should manage stress and do activities that can make body feel relaxed. Some activities that can help include deep breathing exercises, meditation, exercising, taking a warm bath before bed or listening to music.

-Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water can help expel phlegm, reduce inflammation and relieve irritation in the back of the throat. It can also help wash away bacteria and viruses so it is considered effective as treating a cold that has just started. To relieve cold symptoms such as an itchy throat, add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and use it to gargle for 30 seconds.

-Eat healthy food

Food intake also plays an important role in preventing flu from getting worse. Eat a healthy, balanced, and varied diet to help keep your immune system strong and more effective at fighting infection.

-Drink honey

Honey has long been believed to help relieve various ailments. This claim is also scientifically proven as this sweet liquid shows its ability to relieve some cold symptoms by:

*Reduces severity and frequency of coughs in children

*Improved sleep quality

*Creates a thin layer over the mucous membrane which can help relieve sore throats and inflammation. You can consume it directly 1-2 spoons every day or dissolve it in warm water to replace lozenges.

-Take over -the-counter drugs

When flu symptoms are just starting, we can try to overcome them by taking over-the-counter cold medicines. These medications can help relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sore throat or cough. You should immediately take medicine when flu symptoms begin to feel. We can start with antihistamines, decongestants, and use paracetamol to relieve pain. Make sure to always read rules of use listed in description table.

How to prevent the flu

Flu and colds can occur due to viral infections and can be passed on to other people easily. Hands that touch virus-infected droplets on an object's surface and then touch their hands, nose or eyes can also cause the flu. So hand hygiene must always be maintained, because that is the most important thing.

Thank you for reading to the end, I hope this is useful for those of you who have read.