As many as 20% of the American population comes down with the flu every year. The majority of those cases occur when the weather transitions between the seasons of summer and winter.
So, basically, the flu has timed itself to get massive amounts of the population sick right around the holidays.
Thanks, flu.
If you’re suffering from headaches, mucus, coughing and all of those other flu symptoms, you don’t have to let them get the best of you. As it turns out, decades of medical science have supplied us with flu relief tips that can help you get your symptoms under control.
Our team has assessed multiple medical opinions to bring you the tips we think are most helpful.
1. Don’t Spread the Flu
Our first flu relief tip is targeted at you relieving other people from the flu. The best way to keep the rest of the world from having to deal with the same pain you’re managing is to not spread your sickness.
So stay home. Seriously. Don’t go out.
The flu is highly contagious, even with the help of a flu shot.
Believe us when we say that your classmates and/or co-workers will thank you for your consideration.
2. Get Lots of Rest
When your body is sick, it’s allocating a lot of resources towards battling the unwanted invaders causing your illness. That’s why it’s important to rest.
If you start exerting yourself, your body needs to pull resources away from getting you better and move them towards helping you accomplish whatever it is you’re trying to do.
To make sure that you’re not left suffering from the flu for longer than you need to be, laying down and napping is your best bet!
3. Fluids Are Your Best Friend
If you’re like most flu sufferers, you’re dealing with a lot of mucus trouble. You’re also at risk of becoming dehydrated due to the increased pressure your body is under.
Fluids can help you deal with both of those issues.
Drinking lots of water can bring flu relief to your mucus related symptoms by thinning it out so you can cough it up.
If you’re not big on water, have no fear! Other fluids like sports drinks, fruit juices, and soups can also be helpful.
4. Crush Fevers With Medication and Baths
A portion of flu sufferers will need to contend with a fever over the course of their illness. To help you reduce some of the symptoms associated with fevers, consider picking up appropriate medications.
Things like Advil or Tylenol can both be helpful.
Many people also find that taking a bath can help bring their body’s temperature down. If you’re feeling up for getting out of bed, give hopping in the shower a whirl!
5. Steam Your Respiratory System
Beyond consuming fluids, another great way to help you flush out your repository system is by breathing in steam.
Steam can help you loosen your mucus which will make spitting it up and blowing it out a lot easier. It can also bring some relief to your throat which may feel dry and damaged from coughing.
You can purchase a steamer online or you can run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom as it steams up.
We prefer purchasing steamer since it’s a lot more of a water conscious solution.
6. Gargle With Salt Water
Painful throat got you down? Salt can help.
When you cough a lot, micro-abrasions can form in your throat which causes discomfort. This discomfort is then exacerbated when substances like mucus seep into abrasions.
To help your throat heal faster, gargle salt water.
Doing so may be uncomfortable to start but shortly thereafter you’ll find that your throat is a lot more numb to irritation.
7. Enjoy Raw Honey
Honey is one of the lesser known flu relief go-to’s and that’s a shame because it works really well. Not only does honey contain anti-viral properties that can help keep your sickness at bay, it also can provide relief for your sore throat.
Some people opt to eat raw honey off of a spoon while others choose to mix it into their favorite tea.
Either option works!
If you’re not a fan of honey but want to enjoy it’s healing properties, you can try consuming elderberry syrup instead.
8. See a Doctor
Most times you can manage your flu symptoms on your own. Sometimes, you need an assist.
If you’re coughing so much that you need prescription grade cough suppressant or if your fever gets too high, pop into a place like MedNow Urgent Care.
Your primary care physician or local urgent care building will be able to properly assess your condition and give you the medical-grade medication you need to get your symptoms under control.
Seeing a doctor is also a good idea if you haven’t gotten the flu yet and are due for a vaccination!
Wrapping Up Flu Relief Tips to Get You Through the Holidays
From eating honey to getting rest, there is no shortage of flu relief tips you can leverage to get yourself feeling better, fast.
If the flu has you down in a big way this year and you opted to not get vaccinated, let what you’re feeling now propel you towards making vaccination a priority next year.
Get well soon!
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