Yes, the flu is a virus, which means it will technically need to run its course before you can feel better. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything in the meantime to feel better, though!

Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team provides some helpful info on the flu and its home treatments below, so keep reading!

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. This illness attacks the nose, throat and lungs, and it can, at times, lead to serious illness. Older adults, young children and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing severe flu complications.

Flu cases rise each winter, and they’re especially high in South Carolina at the moment. Thankfully, though, the flu vaccine works to lower both your chances of getting sick and having serious health complications due to the virus. We’ve listed some common symptoms of the flu below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Headaches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• An extreme feeling of fatigue
• A persistent and worsening cough
• Stuffy or runny nose

Can I Treat the Flu at Home?

Despite your best efforts to wash your hands frequently, it’s still possible to get the virus. Like we said earlier, if you do get the virus, it will need to run its course before you can feel better.

In fact, the flu will usually live in the respiratory system between seven and 14 days; however, home remedies like the ones we’ve listed below can help lessen the severity of the virus.

Ways to Reduce Flu Symptoms

• Stay home and get plenty of rest. Staying home will keep you from spreading the virus to anyone else, and resting will allow your body sufficient time to recuperate.
• Drink lots of fluids. Water is the best choice, but consuming other liquids will help, too! Things like broth-based soup and tea will help to flush out thick mucus into a thin liquid you can cough up and spit out.
• Ask your doctor about antiviral medications. Tamiflu is perhaps the best-known form of this type of medicine that is used to combat the flu. It only works, though, if it is taken within at least two days of the start of flu symptoms. So, if you test positive for the flu, consult your doctor ASAP!

Still need your flu vaccine? Stop by our AFC center to get yours today!