Stay home for at least 1 day after your fever is gone. If you need to go out, wear a face mask so you don’t spread the flu. If you have a hard time resting because lying down makes you congested, try using an extra pillow to raise your head.
Stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol while you’re recovering since both could make your symptoms worse. Try an electrolyte drink if you’ve been vomiting or have diarrhea since it will work better to keep you hydrated. [3] X Research source
Have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day so you don’t make your stomach more upset. [6] X Research source Skip greasy, spicy, or processed foods while you’re sick since they’re harder for your body to digest and could make you feel worse.
Avoid giving salt water to children 6 or under since they may swallow it instead of gargling it properly.
A hot compress can also help relieve muscle pain or headaches, which are other flu symptoms.
Alternatively, you can use a Neti pot to rinse all of the mucus out of your sinuses.
Avoid breathing in hot steam from a boiling pot of water since it could burn your airways.
Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vapor rub to your humidifier for even more relief from congestion. [14] X Research source
You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to cool yourself down.
You can take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together for extra pain relief. [18] X Research source Avoid using medications with aspirin for teenagers and children since it could lead to a fatal condition known as Reye’s syndrome. Avoid taking more than 1,200 mg of ibuprofen or 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within 24 hours. [19] X Research source
An expectorant can thin out mucus so it’s easier to blow your nose. Antihistamines can help you if you have a runny nose. Try sucking on cough drops to help treat a cough or sore throat from the flu. Some flu medications also contain pain relievers, so be sure to avoid mixing them with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you’re already taking them separately.
Take 300 mg of elderberry or echinacea twice each day to help treat the flu. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Oseltamivir phosphate is an oral medication that anyone 2 weeks or older can take. Zanamivir is inhaled and available for people 7 and older. Avoid zanamivir if you have respiratory illnesses like asthma. Peramivir is administered through an IV by your doctor and is available for people 2 and older. Avoid any antibiotics since they won’t help treat your flu symptoms.
You should also reach out to a doctor if you’re 65 or older, pregnant, or have underlying conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
