While a spike in flu cases tends to start as early as October, the Center for Disease Control reports the flu season is at its worst during the months of December, January, February, and March. With restricting, unbearable, and sometimes life-threatening symptoms, an increasing number of children, the elderly, and healthcare workers are rushing to get flu shots. Those unfortunate to contract the virus can treat their symptoms with home remedies for the flu.

What is the Flu?

Attacking your respiratory system, a viral infection zeroes in on your nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs – wreaking havoc on your entire body [1]. Three different types (or strains) of viruses are responsible for the flu (also known as influenza). Type A is the most dangerous – a constantly changing virus with the ability to strike on a worldwide scale. Type B usually is responsible for more localized outbreaks, but evolves into new strains on a regular basis. The fairly stable Type C is often connected to the flu that circulates during the wintertime – affecting people on a smaller scale.

Causes and Symptoms

When an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks, the flu virus travels through the air in droplets. Many people directly inhale the droplets, while others pick up flu germs by coming in contact with a contaminated object, such as a telephone or computer keyboard – transferring the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth. Often mentioned in the same breath, influenza differs from the common cold because it is usually more uncomfortable and involves a sudden fever over 101 F, headaches, achy muscles (especially in the back, arms and legs), extreme fatigue, and intense coughing.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• Chills and sweats
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting in children

Flu Home Remedies

While you can use home remedies for flu to treat your runny nose, coughing, and other symptoms, keep in mind that this condition is serious business. Seek the assistance of a doctor if your voice becomes extremely hoarse; chest pains arise; your phlegm is yellow or green; prolonged vomiting takes place; or you experience difficulty breathing. Other than that, the following flu home remedies will have you feeling better in no time:

a) Horseradish:

Fight a sore throat, gain fever relief, break up mucus, and ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections by adding horseradish to your dishes.

b) Heating Pad:

To relieve tired, achy muscles, place a heating pad to ease the discomfort and pain associated with the flu.

c) Your Diet:

When the flu is at its worst, your appetite will most likely take a dive. When you start to feel the urge to munch on something, choose bland, starchy foods – like dry toast, applesauce, cottage cheese, bananas, boiled rice, rice pudding, cooked cereal, and baked potatoes.

d) Vitamin C:

Increase your intake of vitamin C to give your immune system a boost, as well as increase the number of white blood cells in your body.

e) Diluted Ginger Ale:

Drink flat ginger ale or dilute your soda with water to avoid an upset stomach and nauseous feeling that carbonation can create in flu patients.

f) Hard Candy:

A moist throat means less discomfort. Suck on hard candy to reduce irritation in your throat.

g) KY Jelly:

Use K-Y Jelly (or petroleum jelly) to ease the irritation and redness when blowing your nose causes overworked nostrils. Keep in mind that K-Y Jelly tends to dry slower than petroleum jelly.

h) Frequent Hand Washing:

Lessen your chances of re-infecting yourself and others by getting in the habit of frequently washing your hands.

i) Hot Water Soak:

Soaking your feet in hot water can battle flu headaches and nasal congestion.

j) Avoid Alcohol and Cigarettes:

Keep in mind that smoking and alcohol can lower your resistance to sickness and make it harder for you to overcome the flu.

k) Bed Rest:

Being too active can weaken your defenses and increase your chances of suffering prolonged symptoms. Rest your body to effectively fight the flu infection

l) Back Rub:

Give your immune system a boost to fight a flu infection by enjoying a back rub.

m) No Handkerchiefs:

Since the cold virus can live for several hours, avoid wiping your nose or sneezing into a handkerchief. Use paper tissues instead to avoid re-infection.

n) No Aspirin:

It might be tempting to pop an aspirin to relieve your flu symptoms, but avoid taking the little white pill, which has a reputation for irritating mucus membranes.

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081