George Herald | Ways to kick flu symptoms and get relief

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Ways to kick flu symptoms and get relief
10:19 (GMT+2), Fri, 01 June 2012

LIFESTYLE NEWS - The flu, also known as influenza, can stop the mightiest of us in our tracks. The goal for most sufferers is to remedy flu symptoms and quickly return to normal activity, though recovery may take a week or more.

Tip 1: Know What You are Treating
Cold versus Flu Symptoms: Differentiating a bad cold from the flu can be tricky, and other causes, such as medications, can produce flu-like symptoms.

Tip 2: Antivirals, Talk to Your Doctor Early
Some patients are advised to take antiviral medications to both limit the duration of flu symptoms and help thwart flu complications such as pneumonia. The risks and benefits of these treatments vary for each individual.

Tip 3: OTC Medications - One Size Doesn't Fit All
A plethora of over-the-counter (OTC) combination medication exists for flu symptoms, but which is the right one to take? Talk to the pharmacist for frontline advice. Otherwise focus on the flu symptoms of most concern.

Tip 4: Productive Cough and The Super Hero Blow
Regular mucus elimination promotes a better resistance to bacterial complications and prolonged respiratory illness. Expectorants and decongestants help but their value is largely dependent on regular and proper coughing and nose blowing.

Tip 5: Sleep Promotes Healing
Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system function, and extra rest is needed to better combat heavy germ loads.

Tip 6: Power of the Warm Bath
Serving double duty on flu symptoms, a warm bath can help ease body aches while the moisture works on loosening congestion.

Tip 7: Battling Chills and Sweats
Chills are the result of fever and the body's attempt at temperature control. When addressing chills pay attention to over-heating and sweating (wet clothes) which can worsen this most bothersome flu symptom.

Tip 8: Water and Hydration
Unless you have the stomach flu, fluid intake should not be too difficult. Water helps to both promote recovery and eliminate bacteria or mucus.