How to recognize, prevent and treat flu by natural methods

Flu syndrome, often called a cold , is an infectious virus that attacks the respiratory tract ( nose, sinuses, throat and lungs ). Although for many people, colds usually last only one to two weeks, but for children, the elderly, people with weak immune systems or chronic diseases will become very dangerous. The addition of a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent it, but if you get sick with the flu, you should also know how to handle the symptoms. So, check out how to identify, prevent and treat flu with the natural method below!

Method 1: Recognize the symptoms of flu

1. Recognize flu symptoms

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Before dealing with flu effectively, you need to make sure you have a flu? Flu symptoms are like the common cold, but it happens more quickly and more seriously. The flu can last for 2 to 3 weeks and below are common symptoms of flu:

1. Cough is frequent and severe
2. Sore throat
3. Fever over 38 degrees C
4. Headache or body aches
5. Runny nose, stuffy nose
6. Chills and sweats
7. Fatigue, body weakness
8. Shortness of breath
9. Not delicious
10. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (common in young children)

2. Distinguish between colds and flu

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Flu and cold all have similar symptoms, but colds develop more slowly, following a escalating regimen and getting better.Symptoms of a cold usually last less than a week or two :

1. A mild cough
2. A mild fever or no fever
3. Headache or dampness in the body
4. Shortness of breath
5. Runny nose, stuffy nose
6. Itchy throat or sore throat
7. Sneezing
8. Weep
9. Feeling slightly tired or not tired

3. Distinguish between flu and "stomach flu"

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The " stomach flu " that we often call is not the flu, it's just a viral gastritis . The flu affects the respiratory system, while the " stomach flu " only affects the intestinal tract and the stomach flu is usually not so serious. Common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

1. Diarrhea
2. Cramps and pain in the abdomen
3. Flatulence
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. A mild, infrequent headache, or body aches
6. A mild fever
7. Viral gastroenteritis symptoms usually last only one to two days, but sometimes up to 10 days.

4. When to transfer to emergency medical center

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In severe cases, flu can cause dehydration or severe symptoms requiring urgent hospitalization. You, your loved one or your child should be taken to emergency if you see the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
2. Chest pain, see chest pain
3. Continuous, intense vomiting
4. Dizziness or lightheadedness
5. The skin is pale, lips pale
6. Epileptic
7. Signs of dehydration ( dry skin, drooping skin, deep sunken eyes, low urination or dark urine )
8. Severe headache, pain or stiff neck muscles
9. Symptoms are similar to regular flu but gradually get better, then return to a more serious level

Method 2: Treat flu with natural methods

1. Rest

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Sometimes, you can still go to school or work when you have a cold but if you have a cold, it is important to rest. So, take a few days off to give your body time to recover.Flu is very contagious so resting at home is essential for the body to recover. In addition, you may experience difficulty breathing when you have the flu. Therefore, put pillows high up or sleep on a chair to breathe easier at night.

2. Keep your body hydrated

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Flu can cause fever and dehydration, so it is important that you drink lots of water .

1. Drink warm water like tea or lemon juice to compensate your body's water to help calm your throat and cleanse your sinuses.
2. Limit caffeinated drinks, alcohol and soda. Choose drinks that help restore the body's nutrients and minerals, not deplete them.
3. Drink hot soup. You may feel nausea and anorexia when you have the flu. Therefore, drinking soup or hot soup is the best way to bring food into your body without disturbing your stomach. Studies prove that chicken soup can reduce inflammation that occurs in the respiratory tract, so if you feel well enough, you should eat one to two bowls of soup that will be good for your body.
4. If you vomit, lose your electrolyte balance, use some rehydration products like Oresol ( available at a pharmacy ) or sports drinks that can provide electrolytes to restore your body.

3. Supplement vitamin C

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Vitamin C is important in supporting the body's immune system. Science has shown that a large amount of vitamin C can reduce cold and flu symptoms .

1. Provide 1000mg of vitamin C to the body every hour for the first 6 hours, as soon as flu symptoms begin to appear. Then take 1000mg 3 times / day. Do not continue taking high doses of vitamin C if you feel better. The toxicity of vitamin C is very small, but it can still happen.
2. Orange juice is a natural source of vitamin C but should not be used in large amounts.
3. Talk to your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin C.

4. Remove mucus from the nose on a regular basis

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When you have a stuffy nose, you need to remove the mucus from the airways regularly to prevent ear and sinus infections. Try the following:

1. Blowing nose. Very simple but effective: blowing your nose every time you are blocked to keep your airways clear.
2. Use a nasal wash device. Nasal washers are a natural measure of removing nasal discharge from the airway.
3. Bath in hot tub. Hot steam helps reduce mucus in the nose.
4. Put a humidifier or a nebulizer in the room to help you breathe easier.
5. Use a physiological saline spray bottle for the nose. In addition, you can make your own saline spray or small spray.

5. Use hot packs

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Heat effects help relieve aches and pains caused by the flu . You can use a hot water bottle, if you do not have an applicator, place it on your chest, back or anywhere that feels painful. Do not leave the water too hot to cause burns to the skin and do not put too much on your body. Remember to never go to bed when placing a hot pack or hot water bottle on you.

6. Reduce the fever paint with cold towels

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You can reduce the discomfort of the fever by placing a damp, cold towel on the hot spot on your skin. In addition, soothe sinus congestion by applying it to the forehead and around the eyes.

1. A fever-reducing patch bought from pharmacies can help you feel cooler.
2. If your child has a fever of over 39 ° C or feels uncomfortable with the fever, put a cold towel on his forehead to cool down.

7. Rinse mouth with salt water

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A simple way to reduce the sore throat associated with flu is to rinse your mouth with salt water . Mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Rinse mouth for more than a minute, then spit out. Remember not to swallow saline mouthwash.

8. Try an herbal remedy

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There are countless herbs that can treat colds, but only a few are proven by science. However, flu can be relieved by trying one of the herbs below. If you are on medication, have a chronic illness or treat young children, consult your doctor before using any herbal medicine.

1. Drink 300mg of wild daisy 3 times / day. Wild boar helps shorten the duration of the disease, but is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, people with immunodeficiency syndrome, and allergic to ragweed.
2. Take 200mg of American ginseng daily. American ginseng ( other Asian West Asian ginseng and Asian ginseng ) improves flu symptoms.
3. Drink 4 tablespoons of Sambucol ( a cold flu syrup, extracted from elderberry ) daily. Sambucol is very effective in shortening the duration of disease. In addition, you can also make your own burnt tea by placing 3-5g dried burnt flowers in 1 cup of boiling water, soaking for 10-15 minutes, filtering and drinking water three times a day.

9. Testing steam therapy from eucalyptus oil

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Steam therapy from eucalyptus essential oil helps ease cough and nasal congestion. Boil about 2 cups of water, then add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, continue boiling for another minute and turn off the heat.

1. Bring the water pot on a flat surface such as a table or the top of the kitchen cabinet.
2. Put a clean towel over your head and place your head above the pot of water. Keep the face at least 30cm to prevent burns.
3. Inhale steam for 10-15 minutes.
4. Alternatively, you can use peppermint or peppermint oil to replace eucalyptus oil if you prefer. The active ingredient in peppermint or menthol is an excellent natural decongestant.
5. Do not allow any pure essential oils to enter the body by some types that can be toxic if swallowed.

10. Take Oscillococcinum

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Oscillococcinum - Oscillococcinum is a natural medicine derived from duck viscera that can be used to replace flu medications. Currently, science has not yet concluded on the effectiveness of Oscillococcinum. Note that some people may experience negative side effects such as headache when using this medicine.

Method 3: Treat flu with medication

1. Buy over-the-counter medicine for treatment

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Common flu symptoms can be treated with medicines sold in local pharmacies. But ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right medicine if you have health problems yourself, such as high blood pressure, liver, or kidneys, are not taking other drugs or are pregnant.

1. Flu-like aches and pains can be cured with steriod-free anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. Read the instructions carefully before using. In particular, children under 18 should not take aspirin.
2. Use antihistamines and decongestants to treat airway obstruction.
3. Expectorant and cough medicine can reduce cough attacks. If you have a dry cough, it is best to use a cough medicine that has the dextromethorphan component. However, if coughing with phlegm, taking a medicine containing guaifenesin will be the best option.
4. Avoid acetaminophen overdose. Many other drugs may also contain similar active ingredients, so read the instructions carefully before use. Follow the medication instructions on the package and should not exceed the recommended dosage.

2. Give your child the correct dose

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Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children to follow the instructions on the package to apply the correct dosage. In addition, you can alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen if your child's fever is not relieved by taking a medication, make sure you keep watching when giving any medicine.

1. Do not use ibuprofen for children who are vomiting or dehydrated.
2. Do not use aspirin for children under 18 because it increases the risk of Reye's syndrome ( a rare brain and liver disease ).

3. Take prescription drugs

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If you decide to see a doctor for treatment, depending on the condition, your doctor will prescribe one of the following medicines to help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness within 2 days:

1. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is taken in tablet form. Tamiflu can be used for children under 1 year old.
2. Zanamivir (Relenza) inhaled. Children 7 years and older can use this medicine. Contraindicated for people with asthma or lung problems.
3. Peramivir (Rapivab) has an injection form. From 18 years and older can be used.
4. Amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) treat influenza A, but for some types of flu (including H1N1) it still works but is not usually prescribed.

4. Antibiotics are not used to treat influenza

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Flu is a viral disease. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medications like Tamiflu . However, antibiotics should not be used to treat flu.

1. There are also cases of infection with both bacteria and flu viruses, at which time the doctor can give you another antibiotic. Take the medicine as directed by your doctor.
2. Abuse of antibiotics will make bacteria resistant to drugs, making it difficult to treat. Do not use antibiotics if not prescribed.

Method 4: Prevent flu

1. Vaccination before the flu season

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CDC in the United States monitors global health to monitor and develop a preventive vaccine for potentially dangerous strains of influenza viruses. insurance during the year. Flu vaccines are provided at doctors' offices, health clinics and even drug stores.Although the vaccine does not guarantee 100% flu exposure during the season, it protects people from different strains of the virus and reduces the incidence to 60%.Flu vaccine is usually given to the body through an injection or nasal spray.

The flu season starts from October to April next year, culminating in January or February. You may experience mild symptoms such as aches, headaches or mild fever after getting vaccinated without causing the flu.

2. Clearly state the health condition before getting the flu vaccine

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Generally, children over 6 months of age should get the influenza vaccine unless contraindicated. If you have any of the following symptoms, please tell your doctor before getting vaccinated:

1. Serious allergy to chicken eggs or gelatin
2. Have ever had a flu vaccine
3. Fever ( can be vaccinated when fever is reduced )
4. History of Guillain-Barré syndrome ( Acute polyneuropathy)
5. Chronic disease of the heart or lungs, kidney or liver disorders, . ( for nasal spray vaccine )
6. Asthma ( nasal spray vaccine )

3. Choose between the nasal spray and the vaccine

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The flu vaccine has two types: nasal spray and injection. Everyone can choose one of them, but should consider based on their age and health to make the right choice.

1. Injectable vaccines are suitable for children over 6 months of age, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
2. Under the age of 65, the high dose should not be given.Persons under the age of 18 and over 64 years of age should not get deep intramuscular injections, should only be vaccinated under the skin.Children under 6 months of age cannot use vaccines in the form of vaccines.
3. For nasal spray can be applied for ages 2 to 49.
4. Children under 2 years of age and adults over 50 years of age cannot use the spray vaccine.Children aged 2-17 years who use long-term antibiotics should not prevent the flu with the nasal spray vaccine.
5. Pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems should not use the nasal spray vaccine.Caregivers for people with weak immune systems should also not get the vaccine or can use it to keep their distance from the person they care for within 7 days after the vaccine is given. .
6. The spray vaccine should not be used if you have taken antiviral medication for the first 48 hours.

4. Flu is very dangerous

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The flu is contagious and can cause serious complications . Thanks to the flu vaccine, the flu death rate has plummeted over the past decades, from 40 people per 10,000 people (1940) to 0.56 people per 100,000 people (1990). Because it is so contagious, treat it as soon as you detect symptoms and isolate it to avoid spreading it. For example, the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic killed more than 2,000 people worldwide. CDC said a similar pandemic could happen if people were not fully vaccinated.

5. Keep clean

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To avoid getting a flu, wash your hands often, especially after returning from public places . Remember to bring an antibacterial hand towel with you if you do not have a hand washing sink and soap.

1. Use alcohol-based hand rub or antiseptic soap.
2. Limit your hand to your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.Use a tissue if available.Otherwise, use your elbow to cover it - you will limit the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze.

6. Keep in good shape

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Eating well, providing the body with essential vitamins and nutrients, keeping a healthy body by exercising is a way to prevent the flu . If you get sick, you are healthy enough to fight it.

1. Vitamin D also plays an important role in preventing flu. Science proves that providing 0.03mg of vitamin D daily helps prevent influenza A. Natural sources such as sunshine, fatty fish (salmon) and vitamin A, vitamin D are abundant in milk.

Refer to some articles:

1. 4 ways to deal with asthma attacks - bronchial asthma
2. Things to know about amblyopia (amblyopia)
3. How to prevent eye aches when working in front of a computer

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