Preparing for influenza: A doctor's recommended home care kit

Influenza hits hard with a range of miserable symptoms. Having a well-stocked home care kit ready can make a huge difference in managing discomfort and supporting your recovery. Here is a practical guide outlining the essentials for handling flu symptoms at home.

1. Fever and pain relievers for flu symptoms

• Why it matters: Fever and body aches are classic flu symptoms. Good over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers can lower your temperature, ease muscle pain, and help you rest.
• How to use them: Stick to the dosage instructions on the package, taking your age and weight into account. Take with food or water to be gentler on your stomach. Be careful not to accidentally double up by taking multiple medications containing the same active ingredient.
• Extra tips: Keep drinking fluids, as fever can dehydrate you quickly. Cool compresses can help bring down your temperature. Most importantly, rest – your body needs energy to fight off the infection.

Also read: Can you get influenza a twice in a month? A GP’s take!

2. Cough relievers for flu symptoms

• Why it matters: Cough suppressants help with dry, irritating coughs, while expectorants help clear mucous. Some formulations also soothe sore throats.
• How to use them: Take cough syrups, lozenges, or tablets according to package directions. Warm drinks like herbal tea or honey-lemon water can boost their effectiveness. Watch out for drowsiness with some cough medications and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you need to stay alert.
• Extra tips: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, easing throat irritation. Gargling with warm salt water helps soothe a sore throat. Try to avoid cold or dry air, and cover your mouth when you're outside.

3. Addressing nasal congestion

• Why it matters: Stuffed-up nasal passages make breathing difficult. Decongestants reduce swelling in your nasal passages so you can breathe more easily.
• How to use them: Saline nasal sprays or rinses flush out mucous and irritants. Nasal strips physically widen nasal passages. Don't use medicated nasal sprays longer than recommended – you'll end up with rebound congestion.
• Extra tips: Steam inhalation provides immediate relief. Prop your head up when sleeping to reduce nighttime congestion. Staying hydrated helps thin mucous so it drains more easily.

4. Using decongestants for flu symptoms

• Why it matters: Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages, improving airflow. They come in both pill form and nasal sprays.
• How to use them: Follow dosage guidelines carefully, especially for kids and older adults. Limit nasal spray decongestants to three days max to avoid rebound congestion. Be cautious if you have high blood pressure – some decongestants can raise it further.
• Extra tips: Keep drinking fluids to help mucous flow. Spicy foods naturally open nasal passages. A warm shower can provide temporary congestion relief.

5. Tracking fever with a thermometer

• Why it matters: A thermometer helps you monitor fever – a key indicator of how severe your flu is. Tracking temperature changes helps guide treatment decisions and tells you when it's time to see a doctor.
• How to use it: Take oral, rectal, or underarm temperatures depending on your thermometer type. Wait at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking before taking an oral temperature. Clean your thermometer before and after each use.
• Extra tips: Fevers below 38.9°C can typically be managed at home. Call your doctor for fevers lasting more than three days or exceeding 39.4°C. Keep a record of temperatures if symptoms persist.

6. Staying hydrated with rehydration solutions

• Why it matters: The flu can dehydrate you through fever, sweating, and poor appetite. Rehydration solutions replace both fluids and electrolytes.
• How to use them: Take small sips throughout the day, especially if you're nauseated. Electrolyte-enhanced drinks or oral rehydration solutions absorb better. Avoid sugary sodas and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration.
• Extra tips: Coconut water naturally contains electrolytes. Broths and soups provide both hydration and nutrients. Ice chips or popsicles soothe sore throats while adding fluids.

7. Allergy relievers for winters

• Why it matters: Winter allergies can make flu symptoms worse by increasing congestion and sneezing. Over-the-counter antihistamines control histamine reactions and ease sinus symptoms.
• How to use them: Take antihistamines as directed, choosing non-drowsy versions when needed. Nasal steroid sprays or eye drops can provide targeted relief. Use regularly if you know your winter allergy triggers.
• Extra tips: Wash hands and launder clothes frequently to remove allergens. An air purifier reduces indoor allergens. Keep windows closed during windy days.

8. COVID symptoms

• Why it matters: COVID-19 and flu have overlapping symptoms. Monitoring and managing these symptoms appropriately is crucial.
• How to use home tests: Use home antigen tests if you suspect COVID. Isolate if symptoms worsen or you test positive. Treat mild cases similar to flu – with fluids, fever reducers, and rest.
• Extra tips: Seek medical help for breathing difficulties or persistent chest pain. Wear a mask around others to prevent spread. Monitor oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter if you're short of breath.

Also read: Covid and flu shots at the same time? All questions answered  

Remedy	Why it matters	How to use	Extra tips
Fever & Pain Relievers	Reduces fever, eases body aches	Follow dosage, take with food/water	Stay hydrated, use cool compresses, rest
Cough Relievers	Suppresses dry cough or clears mucus	Use syrups, lozenges, warm drinks	Use a humidifier, gargle salt water, avoid cold air
Nasal Congestion Relief	Helps clear blocked nasal passages	Use saline sprays, nasal strips	Try steam inhalation, elevate head while sleeping
Decongestants	Shrinks swollen blood vessels, improves breathing	Follow dosage, avoid long-term use of sprays	Drink fluids, eat spicy food, take warm showers
Tracking Fever	Monitors flu severity	Use thermometer correctly, clean after use	Seek medical help for high or prolonged fever
Hydration Solutions	Replaces fluids lost due to fever & sweating	Sip fluids regularly, use electrolyte drinks	Coconut water, soups, ice chips help hydrate
Allergy Relievers	Eases winter allergy symptoms	Take antihistamines, use nasal sprays if needed	Wash hands, use air purifiers, close windows
COVID Symptoms	Flu & COVID symptoms overlap, need monitoring	Use home tests, isolate if positive	Seek help for breathing issues, monitor oxygen levels

Bottom line

A well-stocked home care kit ensures you're ready when flu strikes. Focus on rest, hydration, and managing symptoms to support your recovery.

Summary: Having a well-stocked home care kit is essential for managing flu symptoms effectively. Over-the-counter fever and pain relievers help reduce fever and ease body aches, while cough suppressants and expectorants relieve coughs and soothe sore throats. Decongestants and saline sprays help clear nasal congestion, and a thermometer allows you to monitor fever severity. Staying hydrated with rehydration solutions prevents dehydration caused by fever and sweating. Winter allergies can worsen flu symptoms, so antihistamines may be beneficial. Given the overlap between flu and COVID-19 symptoms, using home tests and monitoring for severe signs is crucial. Prioritizing rest, hydration, and symptom relief ensures a smoother recovery.