About Flu Symptoms

flu symptom

The symptoms of the flu or influenza typically include fever, chills, body aches, muscle pain, headache and fatigue. Other flu symptoms that may not be noticed initially are dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat. The fever is usually the first of the flu symptoms that a person notices and it may be very high, up to 106 degrees.

If you have any of the symptoms commonly associated with the flu, you should see your doctor ASAP - remember , as stated above, if within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms he may be able to treat you with antiviral medications that may reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten their duration. After 48 hours the effectiveness of antiviral medications is substantially reduced.

Here are a few other suggestions that may help get you through the misery of having the flu:

1) Get enough sleep - not only will sleep help your body recover more quickly from the flu but when you are asleep you are not suffering.
2) take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil or other brands of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3) keep your room warm (but not hot).
4) monitor your fever.
5) avoid contact with others(except your doctor)until you are well.
6) do not continue working or strenuous daily activities until you are well.

However, there are some alternative methods we can use to lessen flu and cold symptoms. Here are six:

1. The Old Standbys. Chicken soup has been proven, over the years, to ease symptoms of the flu. Garlic contains immune boosting substances. Recent studies have shown that garlic may also have an effect on pain reduction. Add a bulb of garlic, onions or leeks and celery to your chicken, when making chicken stock

2. Echinacea. While echinacea is no longer the favored herb used to prevent colds and flu, studies have shown that, if taken at the onset of a cold or flu, echinacea can be helpful in reducing symptoms.

3. Vitamin C. Current studies show no evidence that vitamin C, taken in large doses, can ward off a cold. However, a vitamin C supplement can reduce the amount of time you have a cold. There is no need to take huge doses of vitamin C.

4. Andrographis. Andrographis has been shown to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of a cold. It is believed to stimulate the immune system. It contains qualities that are helpful in reducing a fever without causing stomach upset.

5. Elderberries. Patients who were tested on elderberry extract recovered faster than those on a placebo.

6. Astragalus. Astragalus can be taken daily to help boost the immune system or taken at the onset of cold or flu symptoms to lessen the duration or symptoms.

See Also : Herbs Health

Executive summary by Doel

Based on article Constance Weygandt.