Influenza

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INFLUENZA

Yesterday you felt perfectly fine. Today you feel as though someone has handed you a large appliance and asked you to carry it for two blocks. You have the flu, and you feel miserable.

If you have the flu

Pick one drug not several

We advise people against taking multiple over-the-counter drugs to treat multiple flu symptoms. To avoid overmedicating, pick your most uncomfortable symptom-the painful headache, for example-and treat thaht. Skip the OTC decongestants or cough syrups.

Get vaporized

Plugging in a vaporiser and resting in bed for two days is key to treating the flu. A vaporizer can make you feel better by returning moisture to dry, cracked nasal passages and lips. It can also help relieve a painful sore throat and loosen dried mucus.

Take a hot, steamy shower

The steam acts as a vaporizer, because it can provide a moist environment.

Fill the cup and don't say when

When you have a fever with the flu, your body can get dehydrated, driving the fever up even higher. Caffeine is a diuretic, which can speed dehydration.

Gargle with saltwater

To relieve a sore throat, gargling with one teaspoon of salt mixed into an eight-ounce glass of warm water.

Go to bed early

If you must go to work, at least go to bed earlier than usual. This will lessen the stress on your body and help it fight the infection.

Listen to your body

Your body will tell you what it needs. If you feel tired, rest in bed for two days. If you take care of yourself, you will get better faster.