How to cure the flu quickly?

If flu peaks tend to occur later in the winter, the 2022-2023 epidemic is earlier. “We also believe that it (the virus, editor’s note) will probably be more contagious, more severe and that it will certainly reach more people than last year when the wearing of the mask was widespread” comments Dr Judith Loeb Mansour, general practitioner. Once the virus is contracted, how can you recover quickly? Tips.

What are the differences between an influenza-like illness and the influenza virus?

“Many people suffer from flu-like syndromes: the flu is an infection due to the Influenza virus while the other syndromes are caused by different viruses or even bacteria. Reason why it is advisable to consult to optimize the diagnosis and treatment” explains our interlocutor. Flu symptoms can be intense: fever over 39 degrees, body aches, fatigue, cough, chills, stuffy nose, headaches… “They usually last a week to ten days with sometimes a V flu to seven days, that is, an improvement followed by a worsening and then a cure.”

5 tips to cure the flu quickly

To heal as quickly as possible, Dr. Loeb Mansour advises:

• Consult : “Sometimes serious infections are diagnosed when patients imagined they had the flu.”
• Rest then the gradual resumption of an activity;
• Stay hydrated by drinking water, tea or broth because fever tends to dehydrate;
• Eat fruits and vegetables for vitamin C, “It is also certainly useful not to lack vitamin D in winter” ;
• take paracetamol against fever, headaches and body aches;

“Some people say faster relief by taking homeopathy or aromatherapy under the advice of a specialist. To test.

What can you buy in pharmacies to cure the flu faster?

In pharmacies, you can get:

• From paracetamol for headaches, fever or body aches;
• From cough syrup “but you can also drink a soft drink with a sweet taste” ;
• Of the sea ​​water spray or corticosteroid sprays to clear the nose;
• Of the vitamin D “which has shown its interest with the Covid and which must be taken every winter by children, women and the elderly” ;
• An antiviral if prescribed by the doctor;

After consultation with a specialist, homeopathy : Influenzinum 9CH can be taken preventively or curatively. Finally, there are natural remedies to combat flu symptoms such as Eucalyptus or Ravintsara essential oil which you can easily find in pharmacies. Use in diffusion to purify the air, in cutaneous application for example under the soles of the feet (always diluted in vegetable oil)…

Which antiviral cures flu faster?

“Antiviral treatments (oseltamivir) can be offered to frail, immunocompromised people, to people at risk of serious flu, to relatives of frail people. In these cases, the treatment is only effective if started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms“, explains Judith Loeb Mansour.

Focus on prevention to avoid the flu

While there is no 100% sure way to avoid getting the flu virus, it is possible to limit the risks. For this, it is important:

► To be in good shape : “Eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits, not too much sugar, fat and alcohol, stay hydrated, move, get enough sleep, take care of his morale.”

► To take care of your health : “It is proven that diabetes and other conditions increase the risk of severe flu : therefore prevent and cure. In this sense, the new prevention consultations are welcome.”

► To continue to adopt the barrier gestures put in place during Covid-19 such as regular hand washing, limiting contact with sick people and wearing a mask. “It is also important that people in contact with fragile relatives make sure to wear a mask if they are unwell and take an antiviral if they have the flu.
► To get vaccinated (especially) if you are at risk : Since the flu is a respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or the aggravation of a chronic illness in vulnerable people, vaccination before each winter can avoid these risks.

Thanks to Dr Judith Loeb Mansour, general practitioner and author of: “Adventures and misadventures of a country doctor”.