Beat the Flu This Season With These 10 Tips

Pulmonology | by CMRI | Published on 28/07/2022

Overview

If you’re infected by a cough, cold, or flu, then you know how irritable these symptoms are. With no such cure in sight, over-the-counter medications are always a great way to reduce such symptoms. However, there are some natural remedies too that will help you to feel better along the way. Here, we’ve discussed a few such tips with our lung specialist in Kolkata.

• Take enough rest: When you initially get a cold or the flu, taking enough rest will help your body to put its energy into fighting the flu. So lying down under a blanket will help your body for faster recovery.
• Take ample fluids: Make sure you have enough liquids. Fruit juices, health drinks, and broth-based soups (such as chicken noodle soup) are also acceptable. They keep your respiratory system hydrated and assist in the transformation of that awful, thick mucus into a thin liquid that you may cough up and spit out.
• Drink hot liquids: Warm liquids help to reduce nasal congestion and prevent dehydration, and some tea leaves, such as chamomile, help soothe the irritated membranes that line your nose and throat. You might also add honey, which has antiviral and antibacterial qualities and calms the airways.
• Gargle with lukewarm water: Gargling might temporarily relieve a sore throat by moistening it. Four times each day, take a teaspoon of salt diluted in warm water. To relieve the irritation in your throat, gargle with an astringent, tannin-containing tea to tighten the membranes.
• Treat your fever and aches: If you are uncomfortable or have any of the associated aches, you should get treatment. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Consult your doctor to know which one is best for you.
• A steamy shower can help: Steamy showers moisturize and relax your nasal passages. If you're dizzy from the flu, try a sponge bath in a steamy shower while sitting on a chair nearby.
• Apply hot or cold packs around congested sinuses: Either temperature may make you feel more at ease. Drugstores sell reusable hot and cold packs. Alternatively, you can make your own. Heat a damp washcloth in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time (test the temperature first to ensure it's not too hot). Alternatively, bring a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack.
• An extra pillow can help: This will aid in the drainage of the nasal passages. This way you can prop yourself up and your sinus pressure gets better when your head is higher.
• Use a humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, a mist humidifier or vaporizer can wet it and help relieve congestion and coughing. The warm mist should be avoided since it promotes the growth of bacteria and mold. Additionally, keep the equipment clean to avoid mold growth.
• Take the help of honey: Honey contains antibacterial characteristics that may enable it to combat some bacteria and viruses. To relieve a sore throat or cough, mix some honey into hot water. The addition of lemon adds taste and vitamin C helps to strengthen your immunity.

Try these above-mentioned tips to protect yourself from the flu and illness. You can consult our elite group of doctors from the chest specialist hospital in Kolkata if you have further queries related to the same.