The World Health Organization reports that annual influenza epidemics lead to approximately 250,000 to 500,000 deaths out of 3-5 million cases of severe illness globally. Individuals with certain health conditions or compromised immune systems, particularly the elderly, are most vulnerable. Nonetheless, a flu emergency can occur in anyone, which is why recognizing the signs is crucial.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever exceeding 100°F
- Intense weakness or fatigue
- Significant muscle and joint pain
- Chills
- Warm, flushed skin with red, watery eyes
- Persistent dry cough
- Headache
- Sore throat and runny nose
Flu Symptom Treatment
Effective flu treatments involve:
- Staying home to rest.
- Consuming ample fluids.
- Minimizing contact with others.
- Taking antiviral medications if there's a high risk of complications.
Adhering to these seven tips can aid in a swift recovery:
1. Stay hydrated
The flu takes a toll on the body, whether it's a mild or severe strain. It's crucial to stay hydrated. WebMD advises that if you have diarrhea, it's best to replenish electrolytes with sports drinks, or by sipping tea, soda, or water.
2. Sip Soup
Nourishing the weakened body is vital, and the choice of food matters. WebMD recommends clear soups, especially chicken noodle soup with plenty of vegetables, as it's nutritious yet gentle on the digestive system.
3. Inhale Steam
To facilitate mucus flow, medical advice often includes inhaling steam. This can be done by drinking hot tea and breathing in the steam, using a vaporizer, or steaming up the bathroom.
4. Rest
Battling the virus requires rest. It's not necessary to sleep all day, but relaxing on the couch is beneficial. The Mayo Clinic advises paying attention to your body's signals for rest and responding accordingly.
5. Suck
For a sore throat from the flu, sucking on something can be greatly soothing. WebMD suggests cough drops or throat lozenges as the best options, though hard candies are also effective.
6. Sweeten
WebMD cites buckwheat honey as an effective cough remedy for flu symptoms. A tablespoon can help calm a sore throat.
Recipe for Honey and Lemon Tea:
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 cup of hot water
7. Gargle
Gargling with salt water has long been a remedy for sore throats. Modern medicine suggests using one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, and this mixture can be enhanced by adding lemon juice and honey for gargling.
The flu should not interrupt your regular lifestyle.
By following these smart tips, you can bolster your body's defenses against the flu by providing it with the necessary resources to combat it.
Who's at Risk?
Typically, the following groups are at higher risk of contracting the flu:
- Children under the age of 5, particularly those under 2
- Individuals over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Caregivers
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, neuromuscular diseases, heart, or lung disease
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
- People who are significantly obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
Complications and Mortality
While most people recover from the flu within a few days to less than two weeks, some high-risk children and adults may develop complications like:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Worsening of asthma
- Sinus infections
- Cardiac issues
- Ear infections
