Once in a while, everybody catches the flu; and having one tends to be a hindrance to achieving our daily tasks and goals may it be attending school, work, doing the laundry, dishes, or simply even moving. Though it is inappropriate to normalize its existence, it is also significant to be aware that the majority may have it but it is less likely to have an epidemic or pandemic threat to the nation.
What is Flu?
Flu is a discrepancy and infection in the respiratory part of your system and anyone can be its target. The virus you acquire when you have such inflicts symptoms which include headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, colds, and fever. These named symptoms and manifestations normally fade away after a few days to weeks without having to go and seek for serious medications.
In some circumstances, however, the flu can cause critical conditions and can be very dangerous especially if your immune systems are fragile and weak. According to several types of research, most people aged 65 and above died because of flu-related diseases. Whether or not you belong in this age bracket, it is very important to take note of some precautionary measures to avoid potential risks.
As the old cliche states “Prevention is better than cure.” Preventing yourself to catch flu is not does not involve a lot of money. There are ways on how you can avoid it naturally without exerting a lot of effort. Here are the effective ways that are safe to do for everyone.
1. Avoid crowded places
The truth is that almost all of the existing diseases in the world are being transmitted through direct contact from an individual. This is why it is indeed essential to somehow isolate yourself from people because you never know if they carry something that can put you in mild to critical situations.
Add the fact that the flu can spread rapidly to locations where there is a lot of population. Places like schools, workplaces, malls, and even walking roads are most likely where the virus circulates so as much as possible, observe proper health protocols when strolling in public.
To maximize safety, wear a face mask that covers half of your face (nose to chin) for you not to inhale a virus of any sort. Protect yourself by staying away from people who are sick or simply from those who are possessing symptoms of colds and coughs.
2. Sanitize your hands
Did you know that a virus stays on one surface for 24 hours above? Yes, that is actually attested by health practitioners. That is why you need to sanitize your hands every hour to reduce the increase of the virus on the surface of your body. Sanitize your hands by washing using warm water and applying germ-killing soap for about 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands and dry with a clean towel. Also, don’t forget to also carry a bottle of hand sanitizing gel with you especially if you are out for a walk or for an appointment. Apply this after shaking hands with someone and after coming into contact with doorknobs, switches, tables, or car doors.
3. Focus on boosting your immune system
It is always the starting point of preventing the transmission of viruses. A strong immune system helps your body fight off infections and certain diseases. And if perhaps your body was attacked by such, a strong immune system helps reduce the severity of symptoms. The key point to live longer is to actually boost your immune system.
Strengthening it is another way to protect yourself against the flu. To build your immunity, health experts suggest you sleep at least eight to nine hours every night. You should also maintain a regular physical activity routine at least 30 minutes a day and thrice a week. Of course, have a healthy food intake, eat nutrient-rich food.
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are full of vitamins and antioxidants to promote good health. Keep in mind that you should limit yourself from consuming sugar, junk foods, and foods that are high in cholesterol and oil.
4. Disinfect your surroundings regularly
You can actually reduce down the risk of infection by keeping corners of your house clean and disinfected. This simple habit can actually kill germs that may produce flu and other sicknesses. Sanitize and use an effective cleaner to wipe and clean windows, doorknobs, telephones, tables, light switches, house displays, decorations, and figurines.
5. Do not ignore symptoms
If you think you are developing any symptoms of flu (or of course any sickness as well), do not ignore it. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, headache, tiredness, and runny nose. If you are exposed to the virus, consult a doctor early so you are able to receive a prescription immediately. If a medicine is taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, the flu may fade away faster than it actually is and reduces the severity of symptoms. With this, there will be a lower risk of complicated conditions like pneumonia, being confined to the hospital, and death.
The aforementioned tips above are the natural ways on how to PREVENT acquiring flu. But what about if you already have such? Hoping not. But if so, worry no more. While there’s no cure for the flu, there are natural remedies that might help ease its symptoms without having much to worry financially.
Natural Ways To Cure Flu
1. Water Therapy
This therapy is applicable to almost all of the abnormalities we feel when it comes to our health. Why? Because water helps keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist and damp. This fact helps your body get rid of built-up mucous and phlegm which are the sources of many viruses.
Having a fever and the flu also dries up your throat and makes you dehydrated so it is always important to replenish and consume an adequate amount of water for your body to function normally. Drinking healthy fluids have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties that may help your body fight off the flu virus and that it soothes your throat and sinuses.
Aside from water, you can refill your body by drinking the following:
- Sports/energy drinks
- Coconut water
- Herbal/green tea
- Fresh juice
- Citrus from fruits and vegetables
2. Rest
Sleeping can help boost your immune system. Through this, it will help your body fight off the flu virus. Have you noticed that whenever you are sick, your mom would always tell you to drink medicine and “go rest and sleep”? This is because it will re-energize your body and prevent you from being drained. Also, studies have shown that sleeping would put your mind and body in the right condition.
So whether or not you feel symptoms of any sickness, take a good rest. If you always lack sleep, there is a high tendency that you will be more prone to sickness because of having a lower immunity. Having a good rest is the only way for your body to repair its damages and to recover.
3. Gargle with saltwater
Gargling with warm water and salt greatly helps soothe a sore throat. Other than this, it is also a great remedy to clear mucous and other viruses in our throat and near it. Here’s how to do such:
Step 1: Heat up the water until it turns warm (the temperature where your mouth can already take tolerate). Mix half o a teaspoon to the water or test if it is already salty.
Step 2: Let the saltwater stay in your mouth and do your best for it to reach the back of your throat. Gargle it for about 10 to 30 seconds before spitting.
Step 3: The ideal repetition involves 2 to 3 times for effectivity. Remember not to swallow.
4. Steam Therapy
Steam inhalation or steam therapy uses water vapor to help loosen mucous congestion. Inhaling steam from a warm pot of water can help soothe your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Actually, only few science-based articles support this kind of remedy but a lot of people attested that this therapy somehow made them feel better. The warm moist is said to relieve swelling in the nose and lungs and helps aid a dry cough, runny nose, and difficulty in breathing.
NOTE: If you are planning to do such, avoid steam from boiling hot water. Remember to test first the temperature of the steam before breathing it in to avoid burnt or other complications (keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid burning yourself).
5. Watch out the food you eat
Always remember that whatever we food we eat has an impact on our health condition may it be positive or negative. Of course, none of you wants the latter so might as well be conscious of what you are eating. You can take note of the following:
Good Foods To Eat:
- Cereals such as oatmeal and wheat (make sure that it is cooked properly)
- Toasted bread
- Crackers(unsweetened biscuits)
- Boiled potatoes
- Gelatin
- Bananas
- Rice
- Boiled chicken
- Broth (and any other soups)
Foods To Avoid:
- Caffeine
- Spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Fatty and oily foods
- Alcohol
Final Thoughts
While it was mentioned that people aged 65 and above are more likely those who die because of flu-related complications, do not feel good especially if you are still young. Always remember that the flu is not the only sickness that several viruses make and it is important to follow strict yet proper measures for us to maintain our positive health condition.