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Flu is a serious condition and it looks like the disease is probably going to be doing the rounds this winter, thanks to a “snap back” after the disruption of the last 18 months.
There is no way to cure the flu once you get it. Instead, you will need to rely on your body’s immune system to fight it off.
However, there are ways that you can accelerate your recovery. Here are some of the techniques you can use to combat the flu.
Keep Humidity Levels High
Running your humidifier might sound like a strange way to fight the flu, but it’s an excellent option after you get the disease. Warm moist air is excellent at easing congestion and soothing coughs. Try breathing in moist air for a couple of hours per day during the worst of the infection to see if it helps. Don’t leave the humidifier on all day, as excess damp can lead to bacteria and mold buildup in your home.
Use A Saline Nose Drop
Saline is just a salt solution. It’s one of the oldest medications and something that physicians have been using for thousands of years to prevent infection.
Salt is naturally antiseptic. That’s why food manufacturers use so much of it to extend the life of their products.
You can harness the same antiviral powers by using a saline nose drop. These solutions help to unblock your nose and leave you feeling fresher.
Use An Antiviral
If your flu becomes more serious and you require urgent care, they may provide you with an antiviral. These are essentially drugs that enhance the immune response to the virus and shorten the time that it spends in your body. People with chronic heart or liver conditions benefit from this class of medications the most.
Drink More Fluids
Did your doctor ever tell you to drink fluids when sick? Well, there’s a good reason for that: fluids actually help the body flush out viruses, keeping you healthy. Fluids are particularly important for creating the mucus membrane that lines the respiratory system. The more of this you have, the more easily you can transport harmful viruses out of your body.
Don’t Work
In the current high-pressure work environment, many people suffer from presenteeism. This is the idea that they must show up to work every day in order to get ahead.
Working all the time is bad for you in general, but it’s particularly harmful if you have flu. You’re much more likely to get run down and experience more severe symptoms. You’re also more likely to spread infection to other people in the office if you go in with active symptoms.
Use the flu as an opportunity to give yourself time off. Try curling up on the couch, watching a few DVDs and generally pampering yourself.
Sleep More
Lastly, your body fights the flu the best while you sleep. Try going to bed early and sleeping for at least seven hours per night. Don’t spend time on your laptop responding to emails from your boss.
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