Rest is “another way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection,” Blackwelder says. If a friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and check in on you, count your blessings -- and take them up on it. Prescription antiviral drugs may ease symptoms of the flu when taken shortly after you get sick. However, you can accelerate recovery by eating the right type of food. For persons 3 years of age and older, the correct dosage is 0.5 mL for most inactivated influenza vaccine products. Papadakis also recommends integrating probiotic foods into your winter selection for optimal flu-fighting ability. Don't press on with daily chores even in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. "This is a traditional recipe good for anything that ails you. Fresh Garlic. What is the recommended site and needle length for giving influenza vaccine to adults by intramuscular injection? Reviewed by Sabrina American Lung Association. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. They can soothe your throat when it's sore, swollen, or dry. “I believe that chicken soup does help with symptoms,” says Reid B. Blackwelder, MD, professor of family medicine at East Tennessee State University in Kingsport. But if real food can be eaten, that's always the better choice. 8)    Achim Sass / Photolibrary Here are some good suggestions: 1. Humidify. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. It also helps the body produce saliva, which can help soothe a sore throat. 9)    Tom Grill / Iconica Acetaminophen also helps to reduce pain, which will come in helpful since headache and muscle aches also often accompany fevers from the flu. A study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like the flu. Try a warm compress. Its application reduced in vitro viral particles by 90 percent. 1. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if have vomiting or diarrhea. Some of the smartest tactics are to rest, prepare lots of blankets and damp washcloths to combat raging fevers, and drink clear liquids. 10. 2. Another option: Have a drink of flat ginger ale. It can also help ease stuffy ears, Kiefer says. Offer popsicles to help soothe their throat and alleviate fever. You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic. From herbal tea to vitamin-packed citrus to throat-soothing honey , this is the ultimate sick day cocktail. The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition. Clean it often to make sure it’s free of mold and mildew. A natural probiotic, cranberries can boost the level of good bacteria in the gut and protect it from foodborne diseases. 6. Flu symptoms can cause a world of misery, from fever and cough to sore throat, nasal congestion, aches, and chills. Your urine should be pale yellow, almost colorless. Look for lactose-free drinks that are low in sugar and have at least 6 grams of protein. Find Flu Medication When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. But there are ways to feel better. Non-Drowsy: Suffering from flu-like symptoms drains you of your energy enough, so do yourself a favor and seek out non-drowsy medicine so you can make it through the day without falling asleep. For the 2019-20 flu season, ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, influenza vaccine that is appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over … A person can combine ginger with water, honey, and lemon to make an herbal tea. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Getting ... Turkey Sandwich. Need a quick way to open clogged airways? But not all doctors agree that chemistry alone explains the soup’s apparent benefits. During cold and flu season, it can be hard to gauge how sick you really are—or what you have. Ice Pops. One good strategy is to indulge in a steamy shower several times a day -- or just turn on the shower and sit in the bathroom for a few minutes, inhaling the steam. Do you crave a sweet taste? The oils may also help you sleep better and destress. And you may be looking—like all of us—for the best flu treatments. Hot drinks are also a good choice as the hot steam they produce can relieve congestion. Water is fine. It's the absolute best when you've got the flu, and it's great the second and third day. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if have vomiting or diarrhea. They can be a go-to food if you’ve been hit with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. “When you have the flu, the last thing you want to do is drink alcohol,” says William Schaffner, MD, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “It makes you sleepy, and flu does that already.”. Honey helps to boost the immune system and help reduce symptoms of the common flu ,like body aches, sore throat, and cough.It also has a variety of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that enable a faster healing process. Herbal te… There’s only so much you can do to fight the dreadful symptoms. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms. Some people can power through the day with the flu symptoms, but the night is a completely different story. How about drinking alcohol? Note, these matzoh balls are 'sinkers'. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. No way. When you have a cold or the flu, adding a good dose of cayenne pepper to your chicken soup, tea, whatever you are eating, it will seriously help clear up those sinuses. Felson, MD on October 23, 2020. Ginger (among its many uses) is a diaphoretic, or a compound that induces sweating.This makes it effective for breaking a fever and relieving other cold or flu … 3)    Mitch Hrdlicka Essential oils are commonly used during cold and flu season for their many antiviral and antibacterial properties. 3. “But some [of the benefit] is clearly emotional. Tea is a favorite remedy for many symptoms associated with colds and the flu. Breathing moist air helps ease nasal congestion and sore throat pain. Others recommend zinc lozenges to help shorten cold symptoms, though Schaffner is not convinced of their effectiveness. This method helps clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better. Medically Reviewed on 10/23/2020 Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources. 6)    Studio Paggy / Getty “Good sleep cycles help the immune system work well, so it’s important to get your full eight hours of sleep each night,” Schaffner says. Here are 10 home remedies for body aches and flu. Add cranberry sauce for a spike of flavor and comfort-food taste. Kliegman, R. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Saunders Elsevier, 2007. Another is to use a steam vaporizer or a humidifier. If your cough and congestion is robbing you of a good night's sleep, aim for a medication with antihistamines to help you fall and stay asleep. They also keep you hydrated, which is key when you fight the flu. Aches and fever … Go with 100% fruit juice. So be sure to get enough fluids. It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. Breathe in the steam to help clear your stuffy nose. While lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, experts say vitamin C doesn't effectively prevent or treat colds. It has lean protein, a key part of a healthy diet. They pair well with chicken noodle soup, and their satisfying crunch can take the edge off hunger when your stomach can’t handle much. But was mom right? Drink up. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids -- gulps might cause you to throw up. In many cases, however, simple home remedies may be all you need for relief of mild to moderate flu symptoms. Oseltamivir phosphate (better known as Tamiflu) is a prescription drug used to speed recovery from or to prevent getting the flu. Toast or crackers are convenient foods when you're fighting illness. 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu. All rights reserved. Just like chicken soup, hot tea acts as a natural decongestant, helping … 1) Lemon -Loaded with vitamin C, lemons have been known to help the body fight flu, decrease cold symptoms and reduce phlegm. National Jewish Medical and Research Center. It just makes you feel better having someone make soup for you.”. Repeat this as often as necessary to ease congestion. It helps you get the fluids you need and it's nourishing, too. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Listen to your body. But one review suggests that taking echinacea may lower your risk of developing the common cold by more than 50 percent. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. But larger and better studies are needed to see if this is true. The following list of medications are in some antioxidants high in zinc so they. Juice bars immune system, your body energy to fight infection, ” he says breathing air... Toddy does wonders for a saline squeeze bottle thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments passages you! Giving influenza vaccine products ginger is also good for pain and sore throat not exercise. 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