Natural Remedies to Combat the Flu Season?

Remedies for the common cold are common as well, but they aren’t always effective. Since it is a symptom of a viral infection, it is difficult to find remedies that actually work to cure it. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are a few remedies that can help you feel better.


1. Remedies that work

Taking antibiotics to treat the common cold is a waste of money and health. Since it is not a bacterial disease, it is impossible to cure it with antibiotic compounds. It will not stop the virus from spreading to other people either. Instead of spending time researching antibiotics for colds, you should try the remedies that work.


2. Drink lots of fluid

Not just chicken soup. You should drink freshly pressed juice and water to remain hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol till the symptoms persist.


3. Common prescriptions for cold and flu

To reduce the duration of the infection you should visit your doctor and ask for antiviral medication. While they don’t cure the flu, they reduce the duration of infection and relieve distressing symptoms. Be very careful while giving prescription medication to kids, always consult a pediatrician before administering antivirals to children.


4. OTC flu and cold medicines

You can take paracetamol if you have a fever and/or body pain. Ibuprofen is also a popular OTC medication for colds and flu. If the affected individual is under the age of 6, do not give him or her "cough and cold" medicines without the advice of the doctor.


5. Warm liquids

There is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of chicken soup or hot tea to soothe the irritation in the throat and get rid of the stale taste in the mouth. You can even try warm apple juice to mobilize the mucus blocking the airflow.


6. Get a vaporizer

A vaporizer or humidifier can be a lifesaver during times of flu crises. For faster relief from nausea, add some peppermint or bergamot oil to your aroma diffuser. The freshness in the air and the right amount of moisture can instantly get rid of the vomiting tendency. Always remember to change the water in the vaporizer daily.


7. Vitamin C for a sore throat 

Vitamin C in the form of lozenges and drinks can help soothe your throat. You can also try the sore throat sprays and gargling in warm salt water to reduce the irritation around your tonsils. Hard candy and lozenges work great for kids, but remember the choking risks while giving them to a child under six years of age.

The effectiveness of Vitamin C is conflicting. Research shows that preparing for the flu season by taking vitamin C supplements throughout the year can reduce the duration of unpleasant symptoms. However, it does little to prevent a viral infection.

OTC medications can only treat symptoms including headaches, throat pain, body pain, and fever. You can also take medicines to subdue any feeling of nausea or the lack of appetite. However, none of these medicines work to cure a cold and flu.