3 easy flu hacks to get feeling better fast

Sometimes when you’re hit by the flu the simplest of things can be impossible. Fortunately there are ways to get you back to feeling like you as quickly as you can. But here are three flu hacks that are easy, and will help you recover quickly, feel more comfortable during the days your body is pummeling the virus.

1. Stay Hydrated: The Flu’s Secret Weapon

Hydrating is easily and one of the best ways to fight the flu. And if you’re sweating, have a fever or vomit, you lose fluids too fast. The important thing about dehydration is that it may make your symptoms worse and prolong recovery. Here’s how to ensure your body stays hydrated and functioning optimally:

Drink More Water

Water is your best friend when the flu is on the way. Always drink water all day long, even if you never feel thirsty. The right amount of hydration can help your headaches, diminish your fatigue, and will help keep your body temperature on track. Use a glass or water bottle as a visual cue if you live somewhere where you’re not always able to get to the restroom within a reasonable amount.

Try Herbal Teas

Aside from being comforting, warm herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint or ginger also have the therapeutic benefit. Ginger tea is anti inflammatory and helps to relieve nausea, chamomile promotes relaxation. Plus, adding a spoonful of honey will add some extra antibacterial and soothing properties as well.

ELECTROLYTES need major attention

If you take electrolyte drinks, like coconut water, sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions, these will also return any lost minerals and salts. While these are very useful if you’re dealing with vomiting or diarrhea. Choose low sugar products instead, so you don’t get an energy crash.

Eat Hydrating Foods

Also, soups, broths and fruits high in water content such as oranges , watermelon, and cucumbers can also help you meet this need. Chicken soup is the warm, hydrated, nourishing bowl they haven’t gotten enough of, and it’s a time tested remedy.

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2. Rest and Relax: Outpace the Flu

Your body is working so hard to fight the flu already, rest is non negotiable. Rest and relaxation also puts a premium on your immune system: all of its parts can focus on fixing your body. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting the most out of your downtime:

Cozy The Recovery Space Up

Have some soft pillows, warm blankets and whatever it is you enjoy watching or listening to. It makes you feel as though you need to rest for a long time. Add some calming elements like scented candles or eucalyptus or lavender essential oil diffusers into the background for you to try.

Why It’s Important: Sleep more than Usual

The body aches, fatigue, and bad cough should teach you to slow down. Get at least 8 – 10 hours of sleep at night and if needed do naps during the day. Create a sleep friendly room by using blackout curtains and an eye mask, or both.

Deep breathing is something everyone can do

If you want good immune system, you need stress relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises can aid in cutting down stress, improving oxygen flow and recover by breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds and then exhaling slowly for 6 seconds.

Limit Screen Time

While it can be tempting to spend all day and night binge watching shows, spending so much of your time in front of the screen can make headaches worse and your eyes tired. Rather, listen to relaxing music or audiobooks or listen to guided meditations that shouldn’t be too overwhelming to your system.

3. Soothe Symptoms: Hold the salt to fight flu’s worst effects

The flu is brutal, but targeted remedies help you feel better fast. Addressing each symptom effectively will bring much-needed relief:

Ease a Stuffy Nose

• In addition, if you use a saline nasal spray, it will clear your nasal passages and keep them moist, as well.
• When congestion affects your sinuses, breathe in steam in the shower, but take a hot one to loosen the mucus.
• Also you can soak wash cloth in warm water and apply on face for relief of sinus. In addition, eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint essential oil may enhance this effect if added to a drop or two of oil.
• Neti pot—flushes out the sinuses, make sure to sanitize it so you don’t breeds infections.

Calm a Cough

• Therefore, take the warm water combined with honey and lemon. Vitamin C in Lemon and Honey are natural cough suppressant.
• Invest in a humidifier to keep the air moist which should help to ease breathing and ease the irritation in your throat.
• Keep your throat moist: suck on throat lozenges or hard candy, to help you from coughing.
• Gargling with warm salt water kills bacteria, and reduces throat inflammation.

Reduce fever and aches

• If your fever isn’t very high and you don’t feel too sick, you can take an over the counter medicine to bring down your fever and help with your body aches like acetaminophen (Tylenol or many other brands) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, many other brands). Reye’s syndrome can occur in children who take aspirin.
• A cool, damp cloth on your forehead or wrists is a natural (and cheap) way to bring down the fever.
• Drink chamomile or peppermint tea to calm irritation and to give you rest.
• Exercise: Then go and pick up some light stretching or gentle yoga to keep the blood flowing and reduce muscle stiffness.

Combat Fatigue

• Eat energy boosting snacks like bananas, nuts, seeds, oatmeal. They won’t deliver instant energy and won’t cause a sugar crash.
• Dehydration is serious you can’t do without water.
• You may begin to feel a lot better but avoid over exerting yourself, take frequent breaks.

When to See a Doctor

Some remedies for these flu hacks work for most people to get them over their flu as quickly as possible, but some of these remedies require professional medical attention. Contact a doctor if you experience:

• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain or pressure
• Another sign is high fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C) or usually recurring fever.
• Examples of dehydration include severe dehydration (no urination, such as, dizziness)
• Confusion or difficulty waking from/to sleep

But anyone who develops severe flu symptoms — including those people with underlying health conditions, young children, elderly adults or those who are pregnant — should also consult their physician.

Prevention: Starts with You  Don’t Stop the Flu Before It Starts

It’s what this article is about, but prevention is always better than cure. Protect yourself and your loved ones with these simple steps:

• Get Vaccinated Annually: The flu shot is, hands down, the best measure to lower your chances of falling ill. Get them started early in the flu season so they can ramp up by the time it does.
• Wash Your Hands Often: Soap and water for 20 seconds are a must, and will be especially necessary immediately after coughing, sneezing, or contact with public surfaces.
• Avoid Close Contact: If you are poorly, do not go near people and keep clean to stop the spread of your germs.
• Boost Your Immune System: Keep your body in shape by eating a well balanced diet, exercise and sleep well.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Wipe down common things like doorknobs, phones, keyboards with disinfectant.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to be down with the flu for long. By following these three easy flu hacks: Soaring is hydrated, rested and symptom soothing so you can get better faster, and feel better fast. Remember to listen to your body, remain patient during your recovery, or go see your doctor. Doing so proactively will simply mean you’ll come back even stronger ready to face the world once again. Healthy, Positive, and Well!