How to get rid of flu

Flu can make you feel miserable but it usually runs its course within about a week. While you wait, there are some simple measures you can take to relieve discomfort and help you on your way back to full health. Whether you’re looking after a loved one with flu or nursing this virus yourself, in this blog you’ll find tips to help shake off this illness.

How to get rid of the flu 

For most people, flu is usually a self-limiting illness. This means that sufferers tend to get better on their own without any need for treatment. 

However, flu can be serious for some people. People at increased risk of flu and its complications include:

• people aged 65 and over
• children under five
• people with certain underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, asthma and liver disease
• pregnant women. 

If you fall into any of these categories, you may need to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing severe symptoms or if your illness continues for more than a week. However, most healthy people will get better on their own. You should note that because flu is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. 

So what can you do to speed up recovery? Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take. 

Rest 

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to try to ‘tough it out’ when you feel ill. You may have important deadlines at work or a busy household to run. However, not giving your body the rest it needs will make you feel much worse. 

Rest plays a crucial role in flu recovery. When you allow yourself to rest, your body can focus its energy on fighting off the virus. This can help your immune system to work more effectively. 

Avoiding physical activity can also help to lessen symptoms such as exhaustion, muscle aches and laboured breathing. If you exert yourself too much when you have the flu, not only are your symptoms likely to feel more severe but you also run the risk of complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

While you may feel frustrated by having to slow down, it’s important to realise that by resting you are being proactive about your recovery. 

Insulate

When you come down with flu, you’re naturally going to want to curl up under a duvet or reach for your warmest jumper. That’s because your body knows that warmth will help it to feel better. 

So why is this? Well, flu can cause a fever and when you are feverish, you’re likely to experience chills. Staying warm can help to reduce the discomfort of these chills. It can also help support circulation, which in turn means the antibodies needed to tackle the infection can be carried in your bloodstream to their destination. 

If you or a loved one are suffering with flu, you should make sure your home is adequately heated and you may want to wrap up in a blanket for comfort. However, if you’re experiencing a fever, it’s important not to wear too many layers or use too many blankets as this could lead to overheating, sweating and dehydration.  

Take flu medications

In the majority of cases, flu will run its course on its own so you’re probably not going to need to seek medical advice. However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are over the counter flu medications available that can reduce your symptoms and help you to feel better. 

People with flu are advised to take painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to help bring down temperatures and relieve aches and pains. Bear in mind that you should not take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you’re taking another medication that contains these ingredients, for example cold and flu medicines. 

If you’re over the age of 16 and struggling to sleep with your symptoms, you may decide to take an over the counter sleep aid such as Nytol to help you get the rest you need. However, you should avoid this if you’re taking another antihistamine or any other medication that makes you feel drowsy, gives you a dry mouth or makes it difficult to urinate as this medicine can make these side effects worse. 

You should always read the patient information leaflet before taking any medicines to ensure they’re suitable for you or your loved one.

Stay hydrated

If you have a high temperature, it can be easy to become dehydrated. If you add congestion, diarrhoea and vomiting to this situation, the problem can become even worse. If dehydration is left untreated, it can become serious, particularly in babies, children and older adults.

To avoid this problem, you should drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids and ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll know you’re drinking enough water if your urine is clear or light yellow in colour. 

Increasing your water intake can also promote good circulation and allow virus-attacking antibodies to be carried around your body more easily, helping you to feel better sooner.

While there’s no miracle cure for flu, by following simple self-care steps such as the ones we’ve outlined above, you can get on the road to recovery sooner.

Sources: 

• https://guysandstthomasspecialistcare.co.uk/news/10-warning-signs-of-poor-circulation/ 
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
• https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/12/19/the-dos-and-donts-to-help-you-get-better-and-protect-others-when-you-have-a-virus 
• https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/fever-in-adults https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diphenhydramine/