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.

Excess mucous due to a runny nose is generally a symptom of the common cold or flu along with sore throat and coughing. Mucous that drips back into the throat can cause ear infections and additional pain. It can also lead to other infections and sinus pain.

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.

Home Treatments like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can relieve pain and fever associated with the common cold. Most of the time these symptoms occur worse in the afternoon and evening so medications should be taken regularly during this time. Also, you can use decongestants which aid in shrinking the nasal membranes and assist in opening the nasal passages and antihistamines reduce secretions in the nose.

To prevent other complications such as bronchitis and ear infection drink lots of fluids to keep the mucous more fluid and loose. Blowing your nose more frequently which aids in moving the virus particles and allergens out of the body. As well as vaporizers work very well during the winter months to aid in running the mucous out of your nose easily. Avoid sniffing your running nose frequently as this may contribute to an ear infection. If symptoms last longer than two weeks you should contact you family doctor.

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