Fighting Off Influenza: What You Should Know

Flu season is a tough time for everybody. However, if you have children, it becomes even more of a challenge. Whether you chose to get your family the flu shot or not, some influenza strains are not covered by the inoculation. As such, you may find yourself a frequent visitor at the healthcare clinics in your neighborhood, with sick children and/or sick adults. Dealing with influenza can be a challenge, but is not impossible. All you need to do is learn the best remedies available to help with your family's influenza symptoms, and use them the next time a bout of flu sweeps through your family. 

Try Nasal Irrigation

One of the most painful and frustrating symptoms of influenza is a clogged, stuffy nose. The congestion can make it difficult to breath, can cause headaches, and can contribute to the general malaise of fighting off the flu.

To help remedy this nasal congestion, you can attempt to irrigate your nasal passages to free up your airways. Get a neti pot or use any type of squeeze bottle. 

Then all that is left to do is to mix up your irrigation solution. Use a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of standard table salt. Ensure the salt is fully dissolved and you are ready to go. Pour the solution into one nostril and tilt your head to allow it to drain out the other side. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Drink Hot Tea

Hot tea can help you battle the flu in multiple ways. First of all, the heat and steam from your soothing cup of tea can help to clear your congested nasal passages as you breath it in.

Second, tea has a number of antioxidants and other disease-fighting properties that can help give your immune system a boost. And finally, the warm liquid can sooth your sore, irritated throat and can help relieve your cough, at least temporarily. 

Garlic

While garlic may not sound particularly appealing when you are fighting off the flu, it can have numerous health benefits that can help you get well faster. Garlic has many antioxidant properties and helps with blood flow and circulation and  overall health. 

If you do not want to add garlic to your diet while ill, you can take garlic in supplement form. If you continue to take garlic beyond the time that you are ill, you may be able to prevent future illness as well. 

When it comes to fighting off influenza, these home remedies may help you to feel better faster. All you need to do is give them a try, and your flu symptoms will be a distant memory before you know it. For more tips on fighting the flu, it's best to contact a local clinic, like Entira Family Clinics.

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