Summer flu: What helps quickly against the virus in a natural way? How to relieve the symptoms?

by Kremy

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms usually last about a week, but the most severe symptoms last only two to three days. Fatigue, weakness, and cough may persist for another week after recovery. In areas with tropical climates, influenza activity remains relatively constant throughout the year. In the southern hemisphere, influenza activity peaks between April and September. It’s important to realize that travel can play a part. For example, a person in Europe is more likely to get the flu in the summer if they were recently infected on a trip to a country in the southern hemisphere. You have summer flu: what helps quickly and how to relieve the symptoms with natural remedies?

What Are the Summer Flu Symptoms?

Summer flu natural remedies

Summer flu can cause mild to severe symptoms, such as:

  • nasal congestion
  • Cough
  • Sneeze
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Influenza infections can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, and these symptoms are more common in children than adults.

Natural Remedies for Summer Flu: What Helps Quickly?

there are natural methods to relieve your flu symptoms

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Mild to moderate flu infections usually do not require treatment. With adequate bed rest, most people who are otherwise healthy recover within a few days or weeks. For more severe symptoms, there are some natural methods to relieve your symptoms. Try these!

Stay At Home and Treat Yourself to a Lot of Rest!

Staying at home helps you recover

Watch your flu behavior. On the first day you have symptoms, call your work or school and say you won’t be coming for a few days. You are sick – and very contagious! Staying home will not only help your recovery but also prevent the flu from spreading to others around you or at your place of work. The flu can be dangerous for the elderly and young children. So be sure to avoid contact with others while you are contagious. Take advantage of the downtime and give your body the much-needed rest. Curl up on the couch and read, watch movies, or just take a nap while your body fights the virus.

Sleep As Much As Possible!

Sleep is the best medicine when fighting the flu

Sleep is your body’s best medicine when fighting the flu. Curled up on the sofa while watching TV isn’t a bad idea, but you shouldn’t spend the night watching your favorite Netflix series. Go to bed earlier than usual. Rest and sleep also reduce the risk of serious flu complications, such as pneumonia.

Drink Lots of Fluids!

Liquids have a soothing effect and keep you hydrated

Be sure to drink a lot of fluids. It doesn’t have to be just water — fruit juices, sports drinks, and broth-based soups (like chicken noodle soup) also count. You can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey and lemon. These can have a soothing effect on your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. They keep your airways hydrated and help turn that nasty, sticky mucus into a thin liquid that you can cough up and spit out. This is good because if the mucus builds up in the lungs, it can lead to an infection. You should avoid alcohol and caffeine during the illness.

Sit In a Steamy Bathroom!

sit in steamy bathroom

If your nose is still stuffy, sit in the bathroom with the door closed. Run the shower hot until the room fills with wet steam. Sit away from the water to avoid burns.

Summer Flu: What Helps Quickly? Salt!

Saline nasal drops or sprays

Saline nasal drops or sprays are available over the counter at any drug store or grocery store. They work and are safe – even for children. Put a few drops in one nostril and gently blow out the mucus and saline. Repeat the process on the other side.

Run the Humidifier!

humidify the air to relieve coughing

If the air in your home is dry, a humidifier or vaporizer can moisten it to relieve nasal congestion and coughing. Do not use a warm mist as it can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Also, be sure to keep the device clean to avoid mold growth.

Take Lozenges!

Sucking soothing lozenges moistens and settles a scratchy throat

Sucking on soothing lozenges will soothe a sore throat. It can also calm your cough.

Ease Your Breathing!

What helps Summer flu air humidifier or vaporizer in the room

It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and sleep better:

  • Use an extra pillow to support your head and relieve sinus pressure.
  • Sleep with a humidifier or vaporizer in the room.
  • Take a hot bath or shower before bed.

Summer Flu: What Helps Quickly? Healthy Food!

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins

You may be tempted to drown your heartache in a bowl of ice cream and a bag of potato chips, but your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help boost your immune system to fight the virus. Even if you don’t have a huge appetite, it’s important to eat meals regularly to stay energized.

Take Elderberry for Summer Flu!

Elderberry to treat colds and flu

Elderberry has been used to treat colds and flu for hundreds of years. In a placebo-controlled study, flu patients who took elderberry lozenges four times a day saw a reduction in fever, headache, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and cough after 48 hours. In another study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms who took 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day experienced improvement in their symptoms four days earlier than people who took a placebo. Elderberry capsules, lozenges, and syrup are available in stores or online. Avoid eating raw elderberries as they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Ginger Helps for Sore Throat!

use ginger as a home remedy for cold and sore throat

Many people use ginger as a home remedy for colds and sore throats. It has antibacterial properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation. According to a report by Trusted Source, there is evidence that ginger:

  • prevents colds
  • prevents or relieves a sore throat
  • reduces constipation
  • reduces inflammation

Take Honey for Cough Relief!

Summer flu natural remedy to relieve sore throat

Honey is a widely used natural remedy to soothe a sore throat and cough. Mixing honey in tea is a great way to stay hydrated while treating flu symptoms. In a study by Trusted Source, researchers found that a dose of honey was more effective than traditional cough medicine at suppressing a nocturnal cough in children aged 2 to 18 with upper respiratory tract infections. However, keep in mind that you should not give honey to children younger than one year.

Increase Your Zinc Intake!

Summer Flu Diet zinc rich foods

Zinc is important for your immune system. This nutrient helps your body produce white blood cells that fight viruses. You have summer flu: What helps quickly against it? Research shows that zinc may help relieve cold and flu symptoms. You can take a zinc supplement or a zinc-containing multivitamin during flu season. Normally, you get a lot of zinc from a balanced daily diet. Foods rich in zinc include:

  • Red meat
  • Shellfish
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs

 

 



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