All about Flu and natural remedies

What is Flu

Influenza, commonly known as flu is similar to a bad cold caused by a virus that usually present as respiratory or intestinal infections.

Types of Flu

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D (CDC, 2017). Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease, starting in the fall and ending in the spring, i.e. October through March in the United States. Influenza A mostly infect people and cause seasonal flu pandemic whereas, Influenza type C infections generally cause a mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people. There are different strains of influenza that can cause illness in people, for example, H1N1 that emerged in 2009.

Flu Signs and Symptoms

Cold and flu symptoms can be similar but certain differences makes the flu a bad cold. The main difference between cold and flu is that symptoms start suddenly in flu also fever is common in flu. Other symptoms are headache, fever, severe aches in muscles and joints, extreme fatigue, warm flushed skin, red watery eyes, dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Children may have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea but adults may not have the same.
How long does Flu last
Flu symptoms may develop within one to three days after getting the virus, fever may last for 2 days, mostly, people may feel better after a week.
When to seek medical advice
If you develop any trouble breathing, chest or abdominal pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, diarrhea that cause dehydration.

Home Remedies

1. Good hydration using water and fruit juices, herbal tea . Avoid coffee as it acts as diuretic, also carbonated beverages. .
2. Rest is an important way of supporting the body’s ability to fight infection.
3. Sips of warm chicken soup that may help feel better
4. Humidify. Steamy shower or sitting in the rest room with a steamy shower on may help ease nasal congestion. Steam vaporizer, or a humidifier also serve the purpose but make sure to clean it often to prevent mold.
5. Steam inhalation from boiled water using a towel tent over the head helps to open the clogged nasal airways faster, and to help ease sinus pain. Adding a drop of eucalyptus oil or peppermint may also help if no allergy.
6. Warm compress on the forehead and nose relieves headache and sinus pain
7. Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat
8. Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat.
   Another good web site that I thought worth sharing.
   https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/natural-remedies-for-cold-and-flu/
   Resources
   https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
   https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/treating-flu-at-home#2
   Picture source
   https://www.google.com/search?q=flu+pictures&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiFzaWZi-PYAhUJzGMKHWFFBqsQ_AUICigB&biw=1517&bih=707#imgrc=3EygBabJzVYW1M: