5 Things For Treating The Flu
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Unlike the common cold, which is annoying but ultimately harmless, the flu can be dangerous. Follow these five steps at the first sign of the flu.
Try Supplements
Try taking 1 tablespoon of the liquid elderberry extract Sambucol four times a day for three to five days. Sambucol fights the flu directly. Researchers think that compounds called anthocyanins in elderberry may be responsible. They boost the immune system and also seem to prevent the flu virus from sticking to cells.
Tame Your Headache
To relieve headache and achiness, take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of enteric-coated aspirin, 200 milligrams of ibuprofen, or 500 to 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen every four to six hours, or 275 milligrams of naproxen twice daily. Two things to keep in mind: Don’t take acetaminophen if you have liver disease, and don’t give aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to children or adolescents (use acetaminophen instead).
Get Your Fever Down
Work on bringing your fever down to make yourself more comfortable. Start with cool compresses on the pulse points at the neck, throat, and wrists.
Take A Bath
If your fever is still high and you’re still achy, add a cup of Epsom or sea salt to a warm tub, soak for 20 minutes, then wrap up warmly and lie under blankets to induce a sweat.
Use Essential Oils
Add 10 to 15 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the bath to help with congestion, cough, and muscle aches. The warm bath causes a slight increase in body temperature, which makes bacteria-killing enzymes more effective, potentially helping to prevent a secondary bacterial infection when your defenses are down.
