How to Get Rid of Influenza

How to Get Rid of Influenza

How to Get Rid of Influenza

Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is one of mankind's oldest infections. Its symptoms were described as early as 2,400 years ago by Hippocrates. Described as “the greatest medical holocaust in history,” the 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic was one of the deadliest pandemic infections in history, claiming an estimated 50 to 100 million people worldwide.

Though it is sometimes confused with the common cold, especially in its earlier stages, influenza's symptoms are much worse.

Flu CausesThe viruses responsible for the flu are the RNA viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family. They are transmitted primarily through the air when someone suffering from flu infection sneezes, coughs, or talks. You can also get it from objects exposed to the virus, such as a keyboard or telephone, and then transfer them to your eyes, mouth or nose. The virus can also be transmitted via saliva, blood, and from droppings of infected birds.

Symptoms and SignsThe symptoms and effects of the flu are more severe and they typically last longer than your common cold. While the cold usually goes away after a couple of days, the flu lasts for as long as two weeks. For the chronically ill, the old, or those whose immune systems are compromised, flu can be deadly.

The usual symptoms include chills, accompanied by high fever with temperatures as high as 39 degrees celsius. Some can become so ill as to be bedridden. These two symptoms are usually accompanied by:

• body aches
• coughing and sneezing
• fatigue
• headaches
• nasal congestion
• watery eyes

Getting Rid of the FluAs with most viral infections, you really have no choice but to ride the flu out. There are medicines out there that doctors prescribe to help fight off the virus but essentially, you'll have to rely on your immune system to drive the invaders away. Here are some steps you can take:

• Get plenty of rest. When you go down with the flu, the best thing for you to do is call in sick and stay at home. Get plenty of sleep and rest as your body will be taxed from fighting the infection. Do not waste energy by doing unneccessary tasks. Your immune system will need it to recuperate and heal. Try to lie under warm and comfortable covers so you can sweat out the flu.
• Hydrate yourself and drink plenty of fluids. The fluids will help you lessen the risk of getting dehydrated—a possible situation when you're down with the flu. When choosing what to drink, get natural fruit juices or just plain water. Orange juice will help you get that much-needed dose of Vitamin C.
• Drink warm soup. Warm soup will warm your body, inducing sweat. It will also help in hydration. Chicken soup will also provide your body with the proper nutrients it needs to help fight off the flu virus. Plus, it helps break up congestion.
• Manage stress and depression. It has been shown that stress and depression affect your immune system, reducing its efficiency. Since your immune system is your main and primary defense against the flu virus, you will need it to function as optimally as possible. Relax and rest. Get your mood up through the sickness and you will come out of it with all smiles.
• Take your medicines. Antiviral medicines can help your immune system fight off the flu virus. Take some antiviral medicine not more than two days after coming down with the flu. If used properly, you should be able to shave off one to two days from your illness. The more common antiviral medicines for flu include Tamiflu and Flumadine. Lastly, don't give aspirins to your children when they've got the flu. Aspirin puts them at risk of developing Reye syndrome. It is a rare disease but it is potentially fatal.

PreventionLike the old adage goes, “Prevention is the best cure.” As always, it is better to avoid getting the flu rather than staying in bed for a week or two trying to combat it.

Here are a couple of ways to minimize your risk of getting the flu virus:

• Get a flu vaccination. The peak flu season for the Northern Hemisphere is usually during December to March. It is recommended that you take your flu vaccine in October or November in order to give your body enough time to develop antibodies to the flu virus. Since the flu virus mutates frequently, new strains show up that are not covered by the current vaccination's protection. It is then advised that you get vaccinated regularly to protect yourself from new strains.When you get vaccinated, you may feel discomfort the day after. Don't worry though, as this is just your body's immune system trying to fight the dead virus in the vaccine, resulting in the formation of antibodies. One day of discomfort more than makes up for the week or two of being sick in bed.
• Wash your hands. Flu is not just transmitted via direct contact with the infected person. It can also be transmitted via contact with objects the infected person held or had contact with. In order to prevent the spread of infection, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Turn off the faucet using a paper towel. You can also use an alcohol-based washing gel, with 60% alcohol.
• Exercise. Regular exercise helps strengthen your body and your immune system. It may not prevent you from getting the flu, but it will buffer the impact if you do get it.
• Maintain a healthy diet and rest. Make sure that you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from your food. Having a balanced and healthy meal boosts your immune system, making you more resistant to the flu virus as well as other infections. Resting well also keeps your body in tip-top shape.
• Avoid crowds during flu season.Since flu is easily transmitted via the air or contact, it is better to get away from large groups of people during the flu season. That way, you'll reduce the probability of catching the virus.

This disease can make you cranky for a couple of weeks, but hey you don't have to bear all the suffering in the world. Just follow the tips above and you can be sure to have a flu-free weekend full of fun and frolic.

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