What to Do When You’re Sick at Home with the Flu
The flu, or influenza, is one of the most frequent sicknesses around. It attacks the respiratory system and, unlike the common cold, the flu might come with high fevers.
The virus spreads directly through saliva particles and nasal secretions, or indirectly through a contaminated object.
The symptoms can appear suddenly and can range in the extent of severity depending on the capacity of a person’s immune system.
This is precisely why when we are sick at home we should follow certain measures to treat the flu even though it runs its course naturally in a matter of days.
Causes of the flu
The flu virus travels by air through tiny droplets when infected people cough, talk or sneeze.
The chances of contracting the virus are high when, for whatever reason, there is close contact with these droplets.
People can also catch the virus if they touch a contaminated object then later touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
The influenza virus constantly changes and new strands form regularly. The constant changing nature of the virus is why we can suffer a different version of the infection even after having been vaccinated.
Patients have a high risk of suffering from complications in the case of:
Chronic respiratory illnesses
Conditions that compromise the immune system
Pregnancy
Children or the eldery
Also read: A 100% Natural Syrup to Fight the Flu
Flu symptoms
Contrasting with the cold, the clinical signs of the flu appear shortly after contacting the virus. Symptoms can start to appear within 1 to 7 days which of exposure to the virus.
A high fever is one of flu’s main symptoms. In most cases, fevers range from 38.5ºC to 41 ºC.
Other symptoms include:
Muscle ache
Chills and sweats
Headache
Persistent dry cough
Fatigue and weakness
Congestion and nasal secretion
Sore throat
How to take care of yourself when you’re at home with the flu
Most of the time, flu cases are mild and don’t require medical intervention.
While you can opt to use painkillers and fever-reducing medication to treat symptoms, the base of the treatment consists in some at-home lifestyle habits.
Prevent contagion
First are foremost, you should aim to prevent the infection from spreading to other family members.
Though it might not be easy to see, the virus can move from one body to another in a matter of seconds.
If and when possible, try to keep the infected person isolated or ask them to use a mask.
The person should use tissues to absorb the nasal fluids and particles that could escape in coughs or sneezes.
Wash your hands several times a day, especially if you are in regular contact with the objects that others use.
Visit this article: What Happens When You Swallow a Sneeze?
Don’t use antibiotics
Watch out! Antibiotics aren’t meant for the flu as it doesn’t arise from a bacterial infection.
Taking this kind of medication might lead to a resistance to antibiotics, which can be dangerous for your health.
You can reduce some symptoms with over-the-counter drugs, such as a fever-reducer.
If you experience complications, your doctor will decide if antibiotics are necessary or not.
You can use certain remedies to relieve certain flu symptoms (you can find them in almost any pharmacy).
Drink plenty of liquids
This sickness can cause a certain degree of dehydration because the body has to work harder to regulate temperature and to fight the virus.
Thus, in order to prevent dehydration, you should increase your intake of water, mineral salts and isotonic beverages.
Soups, fruit juices and herb teas are a great option.
You can use homemade saline solutions or buy them at a pharmacy.
Preparing remedies at home
The properties or certain home remedies can treat overall discomfort, congestion and other symptoms that derive from the flu.
They can be an alternative for conventional medications or, you can choose to use them as a compliment to your treatment.
Some effective options are:
Echinacea, elderflower or ginger tea
Honey and lemon
Onion and honey
Eucalyptus steam
Chest massages with decongestant essential oils
Are you facing flu symptoms? You might not be able to make them disappear instantly, but these tips will make it easier for you to get back on your feet.
The flu, or influenza, is one of the most frequent sicknesses around. It attacks the respiratory system and, unlike the common cold, the flu might come with high fevers.
The virus spreads directly through saliva particles and nasal secretions, or indirectly through a contaminated object.
The symptoms can appear suddenly and can range in the extent of severity depending on the capacity of a person’s immune system.
This is precisely why when we are sick at home we should follow certain measures to treat the flu even though it runs its course naturally in a matter of days.
Causes of the flu
The flu virus travels by air through tiny droplets when infected people cough, talk or sneeze.
The chances of contracting the virus are high when, for whatever reason, there is close contact with these droplets.
People can also catch the virus if they touch a contaminated object then later touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
The influenza virus constantly changes and new strands form regularly. The constant changing nature of the virus is why we can suffer a different version of the infection even after having been vaccinated.
Patients have a high risk of suffering from complications in the case of:
Chronic respiratory illnesses
Conditions that compromise the immune system
Pregnancy
Children or the eldery
Also read: A 100% Natural Syrup to Fight the Flu
Flu symptoms
Contrasting with the cold, the clinical signs of the flu appear shortly after contacting the virus. Symptoms can start to appear within 1 to 7 days which of exposure to the virus.
A high fever is one of flu’s main symptoms. In most cases, fevers range from 38.5ºC to 41 ºC.
Other symptoms include:
Muscle ache
Chills and sweats
Headache
Persistent dry cough
Fatigue and weakness
Congestion and nasal secretion
Sore throat
How to take care of yourself when you’re at home with the flu
Most of the time, flu cases are mild and don’t require medical intervention.
While you can opt to use painkillers and fever-reducing medication to treat symptoms, the base of the treatment consists in some at-home lifestyle habits.
Prevent contagion
First are foremost, you should aim to prevent the infection from spreading to other family members.
Though it might not be easy to see, the virus can move from one body to another in a matter of seconds.
If and when possible, try to keep the infected person isolated or ask them to use a mask.
The person should use tissues to absorb the nasal fluids and particles that could escape in coughs or sneezes.
Wash your hands several times a day, especially if you are in regular contact with the objects that others use.
Visit this article: What Happens When You Swallow a Sneeze?
Don’t use antibiotics
Watch out! Antibiotics aren’t meant for the flu as it doesn’t arise from a bacterial infection.
Taking this kind of medication might lead to a resistance to antibiotics, which can be dangerous for your health.
You can reduce some symptoms with over-the-counter drugs, such as a fever-reducer.
If you experience complications, your doctor will decide if antibiotics are necessary or not.
You can use certain remedies to relieve certain flu symptoms (you can find them in almost any pharmacy).
Drink plenty of liquids
This sickness can cause a certain degree of dehydration because the body has to work harder to regulate temperature and to fight the virus.
Thus, in order to prevent dehydration, you should increase your intake of water, mineral salts and isotonic beverages.
Soups, fruit juices and herb teas are a great option.
You can use homemade saline solutions or buy them at a pharmacy.
Preparing remedies at home
The properties or certain home remedies can treat overall discomfort, congestion and other symptoms that derive from the flu.
They can be an alternative for conventional medications or, you can choose to use them as a compliment to your treatment.
Some effective options are:
Echinacea, elderflower or ginger tea
Honey and lemon
Onion and honey
Eucalyptus steam
Chest massages with decongestant essential oils
Are you facing flu symptoms? You might not be able to make them disappear instantly, but these tips will make it easier for you to get back on your feet.
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