Influenza is spread by droplet infection and it is a hardy bug able to survive for two to eight hours on surfaces. Disgusting, right? All more reason to adhere to the following advice from physicians at Weill Cornell Medical College:. Fit, healthy people are at reduced risk of catching the flu and getting sick if they do.
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She has worked for Belvoir Media since and has authored hundreds of articles on … Read More. View all posts by Leonaura Rhodes, MD. Remember Me This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. Stay home when you are sick. This will speed your recovery and reduce the risk of passing the flu on. Clean your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hands cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth , as this can be a route for infecting you.
Avoid close contact six feet or less with people who are sick. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia especially in high risk individuals. You can normally get plenty of zinc from a balanced daily diet. Foods that are high in zinc include:. You can shop for zinc supplements online. A warm water and salt rinse sometimes called a salt water gargle can soothe a sore throat.
It can also help to clear mucous. Do not swallow the salt water. Do not allow children to gargle until they can safely gargle with plain water. Several herbs have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Star anise is a star-shaped spice from which oseltamivir was traditionally extracted. Oseltamivir phosphate better known as Tamiflu is a prescription drug used to speed recovery from or to prevent getting the flu. Other herbs and green leafy teas also have germ-fighting and antioxidant benefits.
An herbal tea may help your body fight off the flu virus. A hot herbal drink is also soothing to your throat and sinuses. Sweeten herbal teas with pure honey. Honey, royal jelly, and other bee products have been found to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some types of essential oils may help protect you against certain viruses and bacteria. One study found that tea tree oil helps to fight the flu virus by slowing or stopping the rate that the virus multiplies.
This shows that it may help to block the flu virus from multiplying. In practice, you might add a few drops of tea tree oil to liquid hand soap when you wash your hands or mixed into lotion you use. Some commercially made mouthwashes include it as an ingredient. Other plant and herbal essential oils may also work as natural antibiotics and antivirals. These include:. Use essential oils only as directed. Do not ingest essential oils, many are toxic. You can add fresh and dried herbs and spices to food to get similar benefits.
Diffusing essential oils into the air with a diffuser may also help against some kinds of viruses and bacteria. Be aware that aromatherapy has an influence on children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and pets. The flu virus survives longer in dry indoor air. This may make the virus spread more easily.
Colder, outdoor temperatures generally lower humidity in the air. Indoor air can get dry from heating and air conditioning use. Using a humidifier to add humidity in your home and workplace might help reduce flu viruses in the air. Breathing in steam from a warm pot of water can help soothe your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Steam inhalation or steam therapy uses water vapor to help loosen mucous congestion.
The warm moist air may also relieve swelling in the nose and lungs. Steam inhalation might help to soothe a dry cough, irritated nose, and chest tightness.
Avoid steam from boiling water. Be careful to test the temperature of the steam before breathing it in. Keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid scalding or burning yourself. Add a few drops of essential oils or a medicated vapor rub to the water for added antiviral and antioxidant benefits. The stomach flu can give you nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Bland foods are easier to digest and may help ease your stomach symptoms.
The flu typically causes respiratory — nose, throat, and lung — symptoms. They may also wish to do this if there is a local flu outbreak in the area. According to the CDC , people at higher risk of developing complications include young children and adults over 65 years of age. Other conditions and factors that increase the risk of flu complications include:. People in these groups should take extra care to avoid getting sick.
If they notice any flu-like symptoms, they should talk to a doctor immediately. Complications could include a sinus infection or pneumonia. The flu can also worsen some preexisting conditions.
For example, it can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. People who wish to shorten the duration of the flu should talk to a doctor about antiviral medication.
The NIH recommend that a person see their doctor immediately if any of the following occur:. People with the flu require plenty of rest and fluids to help with recovery.
Doctors can prescribe antiviral medication to shorten the duration of the flu. A person may also benefit from home remedies to reduce their symptoms, such as using a humidifier or taking a warm bath. Some supplements could also reduce the duration of the flu, but people should always talk to a doctor before taking them. The symptoms of the flu and the coronavirus are similar, but there are differences. Certain foods may help fight flu symptoms and support recovery.
We explore foods a person should avoid and foods that may help when the flu strikes. Some people find that they keep getting sick. Potential causes of frequent sickness include stress and lack of sleep. Lifestyle changes can help…. A flu shot is a vaccine for preventing influenza, and it is important for people at risk of severe illness from the flu. Learn more about the pros and….
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