A flu also known as “influenza”, is one of the most contagious illnesses caused by a virus. Flu mostly appears during the winter times or even in humid places.

This virus spreads through tiny droplets from a person’s cough, sneeze, or by talking. Even if those droplets are tiny and can’t sometimes be seen with the naked eye, it can land on your body and surfaces especially in the nose and mouth.

But you can also get it by touching surfaces and people that have the virus on it. This simply means that the flu enters your body through mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, and mouth.

By simply touching affected surfaces, and at the same time, touching your face, you probably have caught the flu already.

Due to the easy spread of the flu, many people are easily affected by it. This virus is a common one and can happen to anyone of any age.

A study found that children are most likely to get sick from the flu. This means that children younger than 18 are more likely to develop symptomatic flu infection than adults 65 and older.

Even though this virus is common to get, it can still lead to mild to severe illnesses, and sometimes can lead to death. People who have flu usually have symptoms such as:

Fever/ chills

Cough

Runny nose

Sore throat

Muscle ache

Fatigue

Vomiting

diarrhea

The contagiousness of the flu can happen even before you find out you’re sick. People with the flu are mostly contagious during the first 3-4 days after the virus starts.

But in the case of healthier people, it is said that the most contagious period is during 5-7 days. The flu is frequently mistaken as a cold, although their symptoms are very common, they still differ from each other.

Both these conditions are contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. The symptoms of a cold are congestion, sore throat, and sneezing.

On the other hand, flu symptoms are fever, aches, fatigue, and coughing. Complications from a cold are usually minor illnesses and are treatable. But in the case of a flu, it can lead to more serious illnesses and even death.

There are three types of flu viruses: types A, B, and C. All these types can mutate, and turn into new strains every year. This means that there are no treatments to be permanently immune to the flu.

Type A - This type is capable of infecting people and also animals. This virus is responsible for creating large flu pandemics.

This works by spreading it from person to person. And the most common way to spread this virus is by surfaces touched by infected people.

Type B - Unlike the style A virus, this type is only capable of infecting people. This is one of the rarest ones and does not cause pandemics.

Type C - This type does not usually cause flu symptoms but can cause infections. The good thing about this type is the fact that it can’t create severe illnesses.

The most important step in preventing the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are proven to reduce flu related illnesses and risk of serious flu complications.

Additionally, the simplest way of prevention is by washing hands frequently, and avoiding close distances with people who sneeze or cough.

Since vaccines can be pricey and needs to be done yearly, people have come up with several natural remedies to treat mild symptoms of flu.

See Also:

7 Natural Home Remedies For Uti

8 Natural Home Remedies For Gout

11 Natural Home Remedies For Dry Mouth

Salt Water

Gargling salt water mixture can soothe a sore throat and help clear mucus.

Just heat up water and let it cool at room temperature. Then mix 1/2 tsp salt to 8 ounces of warm water.

Gargle it for about 10 to 30 seconds so that it rinses your mouth and throat. Remember to spit it out and not swallow.

Warm Soup

Having warm chicken or beef soup is a great way to help break up nose congestion and regain the nutrients while having the flu.

Bone broth contains protein that can help rebuild immune cells in the body. You can have this as instant, or by using real natural ingredients.

Stay Hydrated

Water simply gives the body electrolytes and creates moisture in the body. This is even more important when having a flu, because it gets rid of mucus and phlegm buildup.

Diarrhea, which is a symptom of the flu, can dehydrate the body. So, by drinking water, you help reduce flu symptoms.

Water isn’t just the fluid you can drink, but several more such as coconut water, sports drinks, fresh juice, tea, and soup. Additionally, drinking fluids can help you urinate, and results in flushing out unwanted bacteria in the system.

Get Enough Rest

Getting enough sleep or rest is the most significant especially when having a flu.

Sleeping helps boost your immune system and regain its needed nourishment.

Therefore, it helps your body fight off the flu.

Increase Zinc Intake

This mineral helps the body create germ-fighting white blood cells. That is why this is an important nutrient for the immune system when having a flu.

Based on research, zinc may help reduce flu symptoms and slow down the flu process. You can take zinc by supplements or by eating natural and fresh ingredients. Foods that contain zinc include, red meat, chickpeas, beans, nuts, seeds, shellfish, dairy, and eggs.

Drink Herbal Tea

Herbs are beneficial to the body because it contains antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Herbs such as green tea, black tea, turmeric, fresh ginger, star anise, and garlic can be made as a tea.

Applying Essential Oil

Certain essential oils are said to protect you against certain viruses. According to a study, tea tree oil helps fight the flu by slowing down the rate of the multiplying virus.

There are several essential oils that can work as flu treatments.

These include peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, cinnamon oil, and oregano oil The use of essential oils should only be topical and not ingested.

On the other hand,you can also diffuse essential oils into the air that may help against viruses and bacteria.

Humidifier

Using a humidifier at home to add humidity might help reduce the spread of flu in the air. Since flu occurs more in colder places, it generally lowers humidity in the air.

Steam

Inhaling steam from a warm pot of water can help soothe your throat, nose, and lungs. Steam creates water vapor which helps loosen mucus congestion. This is a very simple technique, but can be beneficial.

The flu has been present over the centuries and can happen to you repeatedly in a year. That is why doctors have invented vaccines and medications for it. But because of its continuous transformation to different strains, treatments aren’t cheap. Trying natural remedies for flu is the best go to for everyone because it uses natural ingredients.