How To Relieve Flu Symptoms

There are many who would like to supplement medical treatment with natural alternatives to relieve flu symptoms. We will tell you more about it in this article.

Treating the flu or a cold depends on your symptoms, so your doctor will choose the most appropriate form of treatment to relieve mucus and discomfort. You can also use infusions to help relieve the symptoms along with the regular treatment.

Read this article to find out more.

What flu symptoms are there?

Influenza is a disease caused by a group of viruses known as cold viruses or influenza viruses. 

There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B and C. The majority of cold epidemics are a result of the cold virus type A, while type B produces less extensive epidemics and a milder disease. Type C is less frequent and short-lived.

The influenza virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions via coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it is an acute infectious disease that affects the respiratory system and which also produces a number of general, characteristic symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Fever
• Respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose
• Digestive problems 
• General malaise

Although it is usually a mild disease, it can become serious in some cases. In elderly patients or patients with chronic diseases (respiratory or other), this disease can be dangerous.

As it has a viral origin, antibiotics should not be used, which increases the risk of complications.

How to prevent the flu

There are several tips you can use to prevent this common disease during the winter months.

It is good to take vitamin C regularly as it strengthens your immune system. Thereby, your body will be prepared to deal with various, infectious microorganisms.

Vaccines against the flu virus are also available. This vaccine is recommended for individuals who are at high risk of catching the flu, which include elderly citizens over the age of 65, people with respiratory diseases and employees in the health sector.

With this vaccine you will have 50-80% protection against the virus. The vaccination is usually given between September and November.

There is also flu prevention, which consists of administering antiviral medication. This type of medicine works best if it is taken immediately after a person has become ill – preferably within two days.

How to relieve flu symptoms

In addition to the conventional form of treatment, there are also three infusions that can help relieve some flu symptoms so that one can cope through the worst days of the disease.

1. Infusion with elderberry

Due to the vitamin C content, this infusion is a good way to relieve the above flu symptoms. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and has antioxidant properties.

In addition, elderberry contains grape elder, which is an active ingredient that has excellent, anti-inflammatory effects, so it is useful in treating flu symptoms. It also contains another active ingredient called eelgrass. This drug improves the elimination of fluids.

But elderberries should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. The flowers and seeds of elderberries are not poisonous, but other parts of the plant, such as the stem, bark, roots, leaves and unripe fruit, are.

Lemon tea to relieve flu symptoms

Lemons also contain a large amount of vitamin C just like elderberries, and it is extremely useful when preventing and treating the flu process. 

In addition to strengthening your immune system, lemons also have bactericidal properties. Their diuretic effect helps eliminate toxins during the flu.

For this tea you will need:

• A cup of boiled water
• A tea bag with lemon tea
• A squeezed lemon
• Honey as a sweetener

3. Infusion with ginger root

Ginger is known for its healthy properties.

It contains antiviral, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it helps eliminate nasal congestion and sore throat.

However, it is important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this infusion as it may affect certain pharmacological treatments.

Other tips to relieve flu symptoms

During a cold or flu, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a light and healthy diet that provides vitamins and minerals that strengthen the defenses. It is also important to get plenty of rest so that your body is able to fight the infection.

If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist as they will be able to come up with a possible solution to this disease.