Health Info > Colds Published on : May 23, 2024

How To Get Rid of the Flu?

Written by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Ever woken up feeling like you've been hit by a bus? Where every muscle aches, your head is pounding, and even your skin feels sore? Yep, that sounds like the flu. It's a nasty bug that takes no prisoners and doesn't discriminate, affecting millions globally every year. So, let's break down what triggers this formidable foe and how you can dodge or deal with influenza or the flu.

Causes of the flu

Imagine a tiny, nearly invisible enemy, lurking in the air we breathe. When someone infected with the influenza virus sneezes or coughs, they release a cloud of virus-laden droplets. Breathe these in, or touch a surface they’ve settled on, and then your face and you’re the next victim. The influenza virus can evolve constantly and attacks mainly your respiratory system—nose, throat, and lungs. It’s like a burglar that changes disguises, making it hard for your immune system to keep up. That’s why we need a new flu vaccine each year, tailored to the predicted strains.

Recognising the symptoms of the flu

Here’s what the flu feels like: imagine your body's thermostat is broken, causing fevers that soar over 38°C. Your muscles feel like you’ve run a marathon without training. You feel like you've been "hit by a truck". Add a persistent cough, a blocked or runny nose, and chills that make you shiver uncontrollably.

10 natural home remedies to relieve flu symptoms

Ginger tea: Try drinking a hot cup of ginger tea/drink to soothe your sniffles. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects, especially when paired with a squeeze of lemon and a drop of honey, make for a calming elixir that tackles a sore throat head-on.
Chicken soup: The savoury broth from a hot bowl of chicken soup can nourish and comfort while helping to thin out stubborn mucous.
Steam inhalation: A deep breath of warm steam is like a breath of fresh air. Adding eucalyptus oil creates a spa-like aroma that can help to break through the congestion. Drape a towel over your head and breathe in that soothing mist – just be careful not to burn yourself or children nearby with the hot water.
Honey: Stirring honey into a warm beverage is more than a sweet treat and has natural antibacterial properties. This honey coats the throat, easing inflammation and irritation.
Garlic: Garlic is an immune-boosting powerhouse. The key is chopping it up raw or giving it a light sauté to bring out allicin, its secret weapon against viruses.
Peppermint tea: The menthol of peppermint is an effective congestion-buster, helping to open your nasal passages, while the cooling effect can soothe headaches and muscle aches.
Warm compress: Applying gentle heat to relieve sinus pressure or a tension headache can be very effective. Wrap a warm compress around your temples to relieve the pressure.
Elderberry syrup: Elderberries have long been hailed for their antioxidant properties, and the syrup can give your immune system a quick boost. A spoonful in the morning is like a natural flu-fighting tonic.
Turmeric milk: Warm “golden milk” can provide immense comfort. Turmeric’s curcumin compound helps to fight inflammation and body aches.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is a must when you have the flu. Herbal teas, broths, and plenty of water keep you flush with fluids to fend off dehydration and thin out all that mucus.

When to consult a doctor?

Home remedies have their limits. If breathing becomes difficult, your fever continues spiking upwards, or if you feel faint, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Can a telehealth appointment with an online doctor help with the flu?

If dragging yourself to the doctor feels impossible, telehealth is a convenient alternative. A virtual appointment can be just as effective in assessing your symptoms and getting the prescriptions you might need, all from your cosy bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m exposed to someone with the flu?

The flu is contagious from about a day before symptoms show up until a week after. If you’re worried about catching it, try to limit close contact with the person, be vigilant with your hygiene and wash your hands.

How contagious is the flu?

One sneeze or cough is all it takes to fling those flu viruses into the air, ready to latch onto their next victim. And they’re no strangers to surfaces either; they can camp out on doorknobs or countertops, just waiting to hitch a ride to your face.

Can the flu be prevented?

Your best armour is the flu vaccine. Pair that with good hand hygiene and a little discipline—like keeping your hands away from your face and swapping handshakes for elbow bumps—and you’re on your way to staying flu-free.

Which flu has the worst symptoms?

Not all flu strains are cut from the same cloth. Influenza A, particularly the H3N2 strain has the worst symptoms, but this varies each year as new strains pop up.

How long does the flu last?

Most people take 5-7 days for flu symptoms to subside before they start feeling normal, but coughing and fatigue might linger for a couple of weeks.

What kills the flu virus?

Heat and disinfectants are the flu virus’s Achilles heel. Regularly wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs with alcohol-based cleaners to keep those germs at bay.

What foods should I eat during the flu?

Nutrient-rich broths, fruits, and veggies packed with vitamins C and A are your allies. Citrus, leafy greens, and berries are good for your immune system, while soups and herbal teas keep you hydrated and warm.

When is flu season?

In Australia, the flu season is usually from May to October, hitting its peak around August. The cold, dry air is prime time for this virus to thrive.

How do you cure the flu quickly?

Get that flu vaccine, be vigilant, keep your hands clean, and steer clear of people who cough. Drink plenty of water and rest so your immune system can fight the good fight.

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