Home Treatment of the Flu
The common cold and the different kinds of flu account for more unnecessary visits to the doctor than any other form of illness especially now with the advent of H1N1. Viruses cause colds and the flu, and antibiotics don’t usually work you can take care of yourself in these situations as well as the doctor. Nonprescription drugs, pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines can help to relieve your symptoms while your body recovers.
An important sign that body is warding off the cold or flu is a runny nose, and sneezing this is the way the body removes germs and other irritants from the body. This is also the cause of spreading the virus as sneezing allows others to contract the virus from the air. Sneezing into your sleeve or using or tissue can help from spreading the virus to others. Since viruses are usually spread through direct contact frequent hand washing helps prevent spreading if you have a runny nose.
Common colds and the flu usually are followed by a runny nose which causes excess mucous. Sometimes this can lead to post nasal drip that can cause a sore throat and coughing. Infections and sinus pain are developed by the mucous blocking the Eustachian tube this can lead to sinusitis and ear infections if left untreated.
Hay Fever can be a reason for excess mucous which also causes runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Usually Hay Fever lasts longer than most viral infections sometimes as long as weeks and months. The Spring and Fall are the times when Hay Fever is at its peak because more allergens and pollen tend to be in the air at these times. Dust mold and animal dander can cause flare ups of existing allergies in people thus causing runny noses.
Pain relievers like Advil, Alleve, and Tylenol can ease aches and pain associated with the virus. Generally these medications should be take later in the afternoon and at night since the symptoms usually get worse during these times of the day. Decongestants can aid in the shrinking of the nasal membranes and assist in breathing while antihistamines reduce secretions in the nose.
Fluids are essential when you have a viral infection, this helps to keep the mucous more fluid and prevent other complications like bronchitis and ear infections. Also, vaporizers are a must have to make mucous move out of your system easily and help move virus particles and allergens out of the body. The vaporizer will increase mucous outflow so try not to sniff your runny nose as this might cause an ear infection. You should call your family doctor if the symptoms last longer than two weeks.
The author has been writing online about health, fitness