Flu are viral diseases that have an important place in human history. Flu, also medically called influenza, is caused by RNA viruses that usually cause respiratory infections. Influenza, which affects millions of people around the world throughout the year, is something medical researchers are constantly studying.
What is flu?
Flu is an infectious respiratory disease usually caused by influenza A and B viruses. It is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs, with symptoms such as sudden onset of high fever, cough, fatigue and muscle pain. Flu symptoms usually appear within 1-4 days. The most common flu symptoms are:
- High fever
- dry cough
- Chills and shivering
- Sore throat
- Runny nose and congestion
- Muscle and body aches
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Some people may experience additional symptoms such as earache, ear discharge, vomiting or diarrhea.
What is good for flu?
There are many suggestions on how to get over the flu. When asking how to get rid of the flu as quickly as possible, it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids and use medication to relieve symptoms. If you are experiencing flu symptoms and wondering what you can do at home for flu, you can try the following:
- Get plenty of rest
- Liquids such as water, juice, and soup help prevent dehydration and thin mucus.
- You can use the medications prescribed by your doctor to relieve fever and pain.
- Gargle with salt water or use nasal spray. This can help relieve sore throat and nasal congestion.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can irritate your airways and make it harder for you to heal.
- Get plenty of vitamin C and zinc. These nutrients can help strengthen your immune system.
- Stay home and avoid spreading the disease to others.
- Wash your hands frequently. This helps prevent the spread of the virus.
- Get a flu shot every year. The flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting the flu.
- Slice fresh ginger thinly and brew tea by adding it to boiling water. You can enhance its taste by adding honey or lemon.
- Honey has throat-soothing and cough-relieving properties. You can drink it by mixing 1 spoon of honey into hot water or squeezing a slice of lemon into 1 glass of hot water.
- Carrot juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and can strengthen the immune system. Drinking freshly squeezed carrot juice can support the body.
- Onion and garlic have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Consuming it raw or adding it to your meals can strengthen the immune system.
- Spices such as cayenne pepper, turmeric, and thyme can strengthen the immune system and relieve flu symptoms.
- Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can reduce inflammation in the body, thus relieving flu symptoms.
For most people, the flu goes away on its own within 7-10 days. However, it can cause serious complications in some people, especially young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems. Flu complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, heart problems and brain infections.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.