Flu Remedies At Home

There’s always a chance you’ll come down with the flu this season. So know what to do to feel better faster.

Getting the yearly flu shot is the best way to keep from catching the flu. But it’s not 100% effective at preventing the influenza virus. The vaccine can lessen the severity of symptoms and reduce complications of the flu in at-risk young children and older adults.

That said, even if you regularly get the flu shot, it’s smart to know how to treat the flu when it strikes.

“There’s good and bad news about the flu,” says Amit Mehta, MD, family medicine physician at Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven. “If you’ve got it, there’s no cure. However, there are a few flu remedies you can try to ease your discomfort and shorten the duration of your symptoms.”

Common flu symptoms

While the common cold and flu can have similar symptoms, those caused by the flu are often more severe and can come on quickly.

“Flu symptoms extend beyond those of a bad cold and often include fever, nausea and severe body aches,” says Dr. Mehta. “It’s important to treat the symptoms effectively, since they can lead to other health issues, like dehydration or pneumonia.”

Flu symptoms commonly include

High fever
Body aches and chills
Chest discomfort
Cough
Sore throat and congestion
Extreme tiredness/fatigue
Sometimes nausea and diarrhea

Flu remedies at home

If you or a loved one has the flu, the following tips can help ease symptoms. However, before trying any of these flu remedies at home, be sure to talk with your doctor about how to best treat your illness.

“Home remedies can really reduce your flu symptoms and help protect you from complications,” says Dr. Mehta. “However, your first action should be a call to your doctor. They can confirm and manage your symptoms and may even prescribe an antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu, to shorten the duration of your illness.”

Get lots of rest.

The only way to treat the fatigue associated with the flu is to stay home from work or school and get the rest your body needs. The fatigue you feel happens because your body is working overtime to battle the influenza virus.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) , can reduce your aches and pains, and lower your fever. If you take any OTC meds, pay close attention to the medication ingredients and warning labels. Many cough and flu medicines also contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

“No matter how bad you feel, certain at-risk people should not take any over-the-counter medicines without talking to their doctor first,” explains Dr. Mehta. “Medications, even those you can buy without a prescription, can be harmful to those with liver, stomach, kidney or blood pressure issues.”

Drink plenty of fluids.

Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which makes nausea worse. Drink plenty of clear fluids, broths or sports drinks to stay hydrated and avoid this vicious cycle. Ginger ale and peppermint tea can also help by settling an upset stomach. Can’t keep anything down? Tell your doctor. They may prescribe a medication to reduce your nausea.

Try a humidifier or saline nose spray.

Lozenges or cough drops often ease a sore throat, but they may be hard to tolerate if you’re dealing with nausea and vomiting. Run a humidifier to relieve irritation from dry indoor air to ease your sore throat and congestion. You also can try breathing in the steam from your shower or a pot of hot water to help keep your nasal passages clear. Saline nose sprays are a good option, too, to reduce sinus congestion — they’re even safe for young kids.

“You can expect to feel better in about a week with self-care at home,” says Dr. Mehta. “However, if your symptoms are unusually severe, such as a bad cough that brings up mucus or pain in your chest, call your doctor right away.”

It’s not too late to get your flu shot

Haven’t gotten your flu shot yet? It’s not too late — even if you’ve already had the flu. The flu season typically lasts from October through May, with activity peaking between late November and March.

“Getting the flu vaccine later is better than not getting it at all,” says Dr. Mehta. “The flu virus can cause serious illness and complications that could result in hospitalization. Even though the flu shot isn’t 100% effective, it’s still your best protection against getting the flu.”