MANAGEMENT OF FLU SYMPTOMS
These are some of the common signs and symptoms of Flu: Fever, headaches, dry cough, sore throat, extreme tiredness, runny/or stuffy nose, muscle aches, stomach symptoms(nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea).
Flu symptoms are similar to cold symptoms hence can be managed at home in a similar manner.
HOME REMEDY FOR FLU
NOTE: The remedies are not meant to treat the flu but to manage and reduce it’s symptoms. The following have proven to be effective against flu symptoms:
1. Have plenty of rest. Rest provides the body with energy to fight the infection thus enhances a quick healing process.
2. Take plenty of fluids(soup, porridge and warm water); fluids help in moistening the airway.
3. Wear Warm clothes:wear sweaters, socks, and cover yourself with a warm blanket. Keeping warm helps to prevent the flu from recurring or continuing.
4. Take natural honey; natural honey soothes the throat hence reduce irritation.
5. Take a concotion of ginger, garlic and lemon, boiled in water and alliwed to cool; This reduces throat irritations. The steam from this concotion can also be inhaled.
6. Take Herbal tea like lemon grass and rosemary. Herbal tea helps in boosting the immune system into fighting the flu infection.
7.Gargle salt water atleast 3 time a day. This soothes the throat. The salt also helps in killing infection present in the throat.
8. Steaming(in a blanket), with hot water in a bowl, helps to open up the airway.
9. Take food rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, tamarind, apples, citrus and grape fruit to improve your immune system.
10. Take probiotic yorghurt and natural yoghurt to improve your immune system, favoring the conditions of healing.
11. AVOID Sugary drinks and foods, since sugar does not provide good conditions for the body to fight the infection.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF FLU
You can always find some useful drugs at your closest chemist. These include;
1. Pain medications; pain drugs like Panadol and Brufen help with the muscle pain and fever that comes with the flu.
2.Antihistamine drugs; Drugs that can reduce allergic reactions like sneezing and runny nose, eg: Cetrizine
3.Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine to relieve nasal congestion.
4.Cough Suppressants: Dextromethorphan to reduce coughing.
5.Expectorants: Guaifenesin to help clear mucus from the respiratory trat.
OTHER ANTIVIRAL DRUGS:(TO BE PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR)
-Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): An oral medication.
-Zanamivir (Relenza): An inhaled medication.
-Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza): An oral medication.
NOTE: ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR PHARMACIST/OR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING THE DRUGS.
Monitor your progress always for any complications and if the symptoms Persist, always seek further medical advice from your nearest health centre.
