Every year, it seems that the flu spreads more broadly than before. It seems to start earlier, last longer, and claim more victims than in years past. So,when it comes to fighting the flu this season, there are some important combative measures you can take to soften the blow.

It’s important to know that there really aren’t many cures for the flu. It must run its course over 3-10 days before it is out of your system. While you can’t ​treat the flu itself, you can treat the symptoms and make yourself a lot more comfortable and keep away further complications such as bronchitis or even, in extreme cases, pneumonia. You are probably dealing with most of these classic symptoms: body aches, fevers, tiredness, runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat. If you can detect the flu within the first two days of the virus, your day can prescribe Tamiflu to shorten the flu. 

Fight The Flu

Make sure to drink lots of liquids. If you think you’ve had enough, drink more. Water will be your biggest ally. It can help to thin and loosen mucus, to flush it out of your system faster. In addition to water, try some tea with honey. Honey has natural properties that coat and soothe a dry throat and is rich in antioxidants, while all types of teas include an ingredient, theophylline, which decreases any blockage in your respiratory airways and allows airflow. Relaxing with that hot cup of tea, because rest is also vital when you are sick.

Look for medicines that target your most troublesome areas. To fight a fever and body aches, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be a beneficial pain reliever. You can also find a cough suppressant for your dry, sore throat, or an expectorant or decongestant to relieve mucus build-up.

If you are someone who doesn’t like to pick up a box of cold medicine, there are always natural remedies to help ease your symptoms. Zinc can help shorten cold symptoms. Zinc increases white blood cells in your body that help fight germs. It is recommended to not exceed 50mg a day, otherwise you could compromise your immune system. Ginseng, a great addition to your cup of tea, also increases white blood cells in your body along with interleukin, important proteins in your immune system.

There are other simple remedies that you can do to loosen mucus build up. Chicken noodle soup isn’t just some old wives tale. When chicken is cooked, it releases amino acids that are similar to medicines that fight bronchitis. Warm soup can also help loosen and dislodge mucus. Take a hot, steamy shower to loosen mucus.

Remember, when you are fighting any sickness, know when things are out of the ordinary. If you fever exceeds 101.5, you cannot keep down foods, you have bloody mucus, shortness of breath, chest pains, or symptoms without improvement within 10 days, you should call and be seen by your ​family doctor.