What are the Symptoms of Flu? What is Good for Flu? How Does Flu Goes Away?

What is Influenza?

Influenza, also known as flu, is an upper respiratory infection caused by viruses. Influenza is different from the common cold. The flu often starts suddenly and may have one or more of the following symptoms;

What are the Symptoms of Influenza?

• Fever or feeling feverish (a person with flu may not have a fever every day)
• Cough,
• Difficult breathing,
• Runny nose,
• Body aches, weakness,
• Headache,
• Fatigue,
• Vomiting and diarrhea in some people, often in children.

What are the complications that may develop due to influenza?

Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections can occur. Flu can cause chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may have an asthma attack during the flu. People with chronic congestive heart failure may develop attacks.

Who is at risk of Flu?

Many people are at risk when they get the flu. However, some people are at higher risk:

• People over 65 years of age,
• People with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease,
• Pregnant women and children up to two years of age,
• Those with suppressed immune systems,
• 6 months to 18 years of age with long-term aspirin use,
• Health workers,
• Those who work and live in public areas.

How Can We Prevent Influenza?

• Vaccination, especially in high-risk populations
• Hand washing
• Avoid sick people and crowds
• Close contact with sick people should be avoided
• Resting at home after a flu-like illness
• When ill, limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid spreading the disease.
• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing and coughing and dispose of the tissue in the trash.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes with dirty hands, which are transmission routes.
• Surfaces should be cleaned frequently.

Things to do when you have the flu

• Early (first 48 hours) antiviral treatment prevents the flu.
• If your symptoms worsen (shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, high fever, cough, etc.), consult a physician and take the necessary medication according to his/her recommendations.
• Unnecessary antibiotics do not cure the flu. Therefore, do not use antibiotics except for the advice of a physician.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid spreading the disease.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing and coughing and throw the used tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cover the mouth and nose with the inside of the sleeve.

Hand Washing

Washing your hands frequently will help protect you from the disease. Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-containing hand sanitizers. Rub your hands with soap and water for 1-1.5 minutes and disinfectant for 15-20 seconds. In the absence of soap and water, alcohol-containing wipes can be used.

What is good for flu? How Does Flu Goes Away?

The common cold is a disease that can weaken the immune system and cause various disorders in the body. However, by consuming the right foods, you can strengthen the immune system and get through the disease process more easily.

Garlic and Onion 

Garlic and onions offer powerful antioxidants and antibacterial properties that have been used for centuries to provide natural protection to the body. Garlic contains allicin, which supports the immune system and can reduce the severity of illnesses such as colds and flu. Onions can also protect against throat infections by showing anti-inflammatory effects. Both onion and garlic can help protect against the flu by preventing the proliferation of germs.

Vitamin C Sources 

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that supports the normal functioning of the immune system. Various fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, kiwis and strawberries, are rich in vitamin C and can be effective in fighting the common cold. Research shows that taking vitamin C can shorten the duration of cold symptoms and improve immune function. Increasing vitamin C intake during the flu period supports the body in the fight against infections.

Honey 

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries and is effective in soothing sore throats and relieving flu symptoms. Honey has strong antimicrobial properties and protects the body from infections.  In addition, the soothing effect of honey helps to relieve coughs and throat irritations. Studies have shown that honey supports the immune system by accelerating the healing process of flu infections.

Ginger 

Ginger is a natural source of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in relieving flu and cold symptoms. Ginger provides an energizing effect on the body and can relieve chills, aches and pains and throat inflammation caused by colds. Its gingerol compound strengthens the immune system by fighting infections. Ginger has also been found to minimize the severity of flu symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body.

Sahlep 

Sahlep is a powder obtained from orchid species of the genus Orchis and Dactylorhiza and contains a polysaccharide called glucomannan. Glucomannan is a compound that strengthens the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. The gel-like consistency of glucomannan when combined with water in the body can increase mucus production, relieve irritation in the throat and alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as colds. At the same time, sahlep is known as a tonic that is widely used in the treatment of the common cold. Therefore, the sahlep content can be effective in fighting flu and colds by strengthening the body.

Clove 

Clove is a spice that has strong antiseptic properties and is effective in relieving flu symptoms. Clove shows immune system strengthening effects in the prevention of colds and flu. At the same time, the eugenol substance contained in cloves soothes sore throat and reduces coughing. Research shows that cloves are useful in preventing the flu with its anti-inflammatory effect.
These nutrients are highly effective for alleviating the severity of the flu and strengthening the immune system. Including these natural ingredients in your diet at the onset of cold symptoms will help the healing process. However, if you have an ongoing treatment, it is important not to neglect it and to inform your doctor.