Top tips to fight the flu

The temperature is dropping which means flu season is upon us.

While there’s no cure for flu, there are some natural and practical flu remedies you can use to ease flu symptoms.

Here are some you can try:

• Stay home and get plenty of rest. On the first day of flu symptoms, follow the rules of flu etiquette. Call your work or school and tell them you’re not coming in for a few days because you’re sick, and very contagious. Then let your body have much-needed rest.

Read: Healthcare services accessible to all

• Drink plenty of fluids. Increase fluids such as water, fruit juices, sports drinks and clear soups (like chicken soup). Fluids help keep your respiratory system hydrated and liquefy thick mucus which can build up to cause infection in your bronchial tubes.

• Treat aches and fever with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Always consult with your doctor about which is right for you.

• Use cough suppressants and expectorants to treat your cough. Over-the-counter cough remedies are available to suppress coughs. There are also over-the-counter expectorants that liquefy thick mucus so it can be coughed up.

• Use steam inhalations. You can fill the bathroom sink with steaming water. Add one teaspoon of Vicks Vapo Rub to the steaming water, and then breathe in the steam for several minutes until you get relief. Another alternative is to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol to the water. Eucalyptus may help open up bronchial tubes, ease congestion, and make breathing a little easier.

Read: Eat a variety of colourful fruit and veg for optimal health

• Try soothing lozenges. Sucking on soothing lozenges will help to moisten and coat your scratchy throat and may reduce the cough associated with flu.

Flu medications are taken at the onset of flu. These medications may help decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms.

Contact your doctor if you have flu symptoms or were exposed to the flu, especially if you are at high risk for complications.

• Information obtained from www.webmd.com.

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