As we know, winter is the high season of influenza. According to the World Health Organization, there are about one billion cases of influenza each year and between 25,000 and 50,000 deaths due to influenza. At present, there are two main methods for people to fight flu: vaccination and taking medicine. Because influenza viruses mutate quickly, vaccines do not fully cover all pandemic strains in time to provide complete protection to susceptible populations. Therefore, medicine treatment is still the first choice for people to fight the flu. Now, more people are looking for natural remedies, that is, treating the flu without medicine.
There are several other things you can do to get better faster. For example, some herbal remedies work by relieving the symptoms, or drinking lots of fluids, while others help fight the virus. You can also gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat. Getting plenty of sleep and exercise are other ways to help heal your body.
Antiviral herbs may shorten the illness
Whether you have the flu or an infection caused by another virus, taking natural herbs tea or herbal supplements may shorten the duration and reduce your risk of complications. Antiviral herbs are used to prevent flu-like symptoms in people who are at high risk of developing influenza. They may also be used to treat a person who has already been exposed to the flu. You can fight it with herbs that have many benefits, including reducing the risk of catching a cold.
The herb most commonly used to treat the flu is echinacea, a native of northern America that is one of the most well-studied by scientists and is known for a variety of effects on the immune system, including increasing antibody response, boosting interferon levels to fight off viruses and stimulating white blood cells to fight infections.
Echinacea contains a variety of compounds, including polysaccharides, chichoric acid, polyphenols and alkamides, which have medicinal properties that boost the immune system and suppress viruses and bacteria. Scientists are still studying how echinacea does these things. To be effective, you must take a sufficient dose of a quality product at the first sign of illness. You can obtain this herb by Echinacea tea, tincture or capsule.
Another herb is elderberry. Ripe elderberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies have found that elderberry syrup helps reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms. The fruit, which is made into syrup or throat lozenges, reduces swelling of mucous membranes, which can relieve nasal and sinuses congestion, as well as sneezing, itching and other allergy symptoms.
Some are suitable for pregnant women children and infants, however, there are some side effects to be aware of. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who are at high risk for flu should see a health care provider as soon as they develop symptoms.
Avoid exercise while sick
Exercise is good for you, and can lower your risk of chronic conditions. It also boosts your mood and improves your overall quality of life, lowering your risk of heart attacks and strokes. But the benefits of working out can’t be achieved if you’re sick. Despite what some experts may tell you, there are instances when it’s OK to avoid exercise while sick. Some illnesses are serious, and you should only exercise if your doctor advises you. In other cases, you may want to keep up your regular workout routine, but it’s best to give your body a break. The CDC recommends you take a break from exercise for 10 days after symptoms of a cold or flu are present. This is because exercise can increase stress on your body and make your illness worse.
Saltwater gargles soothe a sore throat
A sore throat is usually caused by a virus. Typically, a sore throat runs its course in a few days, but it is often the first symptom of a cold or flu. It is a safe and simple home remedy. If you are suffering from a sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water to soothe your throat. This will thin the mucus and draw out bacteria. Using salt water for sore throats can help relieve pain and ease the symptoms of a sore throat. It can also prevent a number of oral infections. If you are sick, it is a good idea to drink 64 ounces of liquid each day to keep your throat moist. Sore throats tend to run their course in a week, but there are some things you can do to speed up the healing process.
Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can make you feel worse. You may get drunk, fall asleep, and have trouble breathing. It can also dehydrate you, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and an emergency room visit. Taking an alcohol-free cold and flu remedy may be the right choice for you. But if you’re already on medication, beware: Alcohol can interfere with your medicine, making it less effective. If you do decide to drink, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before consuming any type of alcoholic beverage. Some drinks contain carbs, which can increase your blood sugar levels. Other OTC cold and flu medications do interact with alcohol. Some cough syrups and laxatives are laced with alcohol, and some antihistamines can increase your blood alcohol level.
More Sleeping
The flu is no joke, and the best way to combat the symptoms is to get plenty of rest. Getting a good night’s sleep is not only good for your health, but it also helps your immune system fight off infections. The fact of the matter is that the best night’s sleep you have ever had is probably in your past. This isn’t to say that you should stay in bed the entire time. The most crucial part is ensuring that you get enough sleep so that you can actually function properly the next day.
In fact, you can do much more than that. In addition to keeping a happy mood, we should also pay attention to the balanced intake of nutrients in our daily diet. For those middle-aged and elderly people with food restriction, digestive and absorption disorders, metabolic disorders or specific disease states, additional nutritional supplements can be considered. Of course, a good, regular life habit is also very important. This includes washing your hands frequently and disinfecting any surfaces you come into contact with.
