Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory disease. General symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and chills. Each year between 5 and 20 percent of the population gets the flu. Most people recover on their own without complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the best prevention for the flu is receiving a seasonal vaccine. Still, a new vaccine must be developed yearly and is not always available. A variety of home remedies may aid in preventing and fighting the flu.
Salt Water Remedy
Often a scratchy sore throat is a side effect of the flu. According to MotherNature.com, gargling with saltwater cleanses mucus secretions and soothes an irritated throat. Add 1 tsp. water to 1 pint lukewarm water. Swish the solution in the mouth, and gargle in the back of the throat; use the home remedy as often as needed for flu symptom relief. Avoid swallowing the saltwater.
Use a similar solution to cleanse congested nasal passageways caused by the flu virus. Dr. James Li of the Mayo Clinic suggests mixing 1/8 tsp. salt with purified or distilled room temperature water. Tap water may be used–first boil the water and let it cool to room temperature before adding salt.
Hydrate
Adding additional liquids to a person’s daily diet is essential when fighting the flu. A fever causes a person’s body become dehydrated and slows recovery time. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluids daily. Fluids such as soups, fruit and vegetable juices also provide the body with additional nutrients when a person is too ill to eat. MotherNature.com suggests drinking beet and carrot juice, both high in vitamins and minerals. The website also suggests diluting juices with water to avoid overload of sugars in the body. Too much sugar causes diarrhea. Warm herbal teas will sooth a sore throat. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda and coffee–the caffeine will increase urination, which will cause further dehydration. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking enough liquids until urine is clear or pale in color.
Muscle Ache Remedies
The sudden onset of muscle aches occurs when a person is diagnosed with the flu. Common muscles affected by the flu are in the back, arms and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Relieve muscle ache by applying heat with a hot water bottle or heating pad. Adding freshly grated ginger to a warm bath may soothe aches and pains associated with the flu, according to NaturalHomeMagazine.com.
