How To Treat The Flu

It’s difficult to know how to treat the flu because symptoms can come on suddenly and without warning. They can also be very similar to a cold, virus or an allergy, so a proper diagnosis is essential when trying to treat the flu. Symptoms of the flu include muscle aches, chills, sore throat, running nose or a cough and they can persist for a week or more if left untreated.

Materials

• Cough Drops
• Decongestant
• Cough syrup
• Fluids
• Tamiflu
• Rest

1. See your doctor. Your doctor will be able to effectively diagnose whether you have the flu or another illness. They can review your symptoms and determine if it’s the flu or if you have another treatable illness such as bronchitis, step throat or sinusitis.
2. Get plenty of rest. Rest is essential to the bodies’ ability to fight illness, and the flu can cause fatigue and muscle aches that can make it difficult perform your normal daily activities. Getting plenty of rest will help the recovery process and give your body a chance to fight off the flu.
3. Drink lots of fluids. Depending on your symptoms, the flu can result in dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as juices, water, chicken broth and tea can help to keep the body hydrated. Reframe from drinking milk or creamed soups because they can cause excess mucus, making symptoms worse.
4. Oral Decongestants. These come in many forms, such as pills, capsules, tablets or syrups. They help to relieve nasal or sinus congestion and are used to open mucous membranes in the nose, which helps them drain. Pseudoephedrine, naphazoline, and oxymetazoline are all examples of decongestants that work to provide relief of congestion.
5. Antihistamines. These are very helpful for symptoms of itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose or postnasal drip. They provide relief from symptoms such as itching, sneezing, congestion and nasal discharge. Some examples of antihistamines are Brompheniramine, Bromphen and Diphenhydramine.
6. Cough Medications. There are numerous cough medications on the market and they include combinations of decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants and expectorants. A pharmacist can be very helpful in selecting the proper cough medicine and many will relieve cough symptoms that keep you from getting much-needed rest.
7. Tamiflu. This is one of the most prescribed medications for treating the flu. It is used at the onset of the flu or within a day or two of the onset of symptoms. This medication is used to lessen symptoms and it may provide a quicker recovery time. A doctor must prescribe Tamiflu, and it’s not recommended for children under one year of age.

Learning how to treat the flu is essential for a quick recovery and getting back to a normal life. There are many medications on the market to choose from and depending the symptoms, will determine which medication will work best. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor if you do think you have the flu because it can mimic many other illnesses.