Quickly cure flu with folk remedies. Quick and harmless treatment of influenza at home: personal experience. "Hell's" mixture against influenza

Flu or ARVI familiar to each of us. Not always, when we feel the first signs of a viral disease, we consult a doctor. Sometimes there is neither time nor opportunity for this.

In order not to remain idle, we suggest using tips on how to treat the flu at home.

Bed rest. If you feel unwell, the first thing to do is go to bed. “Carrying” an infection on your feet is extremely dangerous; in such cases, the risk of complications increases several times. Since your body must fight infection, creating the conditions necessary for this is your first priority. A sick body should not waste its energy on physical activity.

Professional help. Only an experienced doctor can figure out exactly what kind of infection you have picked up. He will also determine which medications are best to take in this case. As you know, viruses and bacterial infections need to be treated differently.

Drink plenty of fluids. Treatment for influenza involves drinking plenty of fluids. Ideally, these should be warm, slightly sour compotes, teas, juices, fruit drinks, rosehip decoction. This will help you reduce intoxication in the body, thin mucus when coughing, and compensate for water loss during intense sweating. Raspberries are suitable as a folk antipyretic, but in addition to it, you should also drink other liquids. When coughing, you can drink warmed milk with cocoa butter or sage, as well as warm milk with alkaline mineral water without carbon. But we’ll talk about cough suppressants separately.

Temperature. An elevated temperature is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. There is no need to lower the temperature above 38.5 degrees (only if you can tolerate it without problems). Such a high temperature creates an excellent barrier for the proliferation of viruses. If it is knocked down too early, complications of the disease are possible. Today, there are many medications that not only bring down the temperature, but also reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Miracle figs, whose beneficial properties are used for a variety of diseases, will also help overcome high fever. You should mix 2 tbsp. spoons of dried figs with milk or water (1 cup).

We help the body fight the virus. In the first days of the disease, antiviral drugs are especially effective: aflubin, arbidol or other analogues. Among folk remedies, a 1:1 mixture of onion juice and honey (take 1 teaspoon every 30 minutes) has worked well. Lemon is a powerful antioxidant that reduces intoxication in the body and has a detrimental effect on the virus. If you have stomach problems, you can eat lemon “in its natural form” (without adding it to tea). Antibiotics should only be used in consultation with a doctor as they are only good for bacterial infections.

Eliminate symptoms. You can successfully fight a runny nose, sore throat and cough even at home.
When fighting a cough, remember that sputum must be diluted. Here you should remember about drinking plenty of fluids. In addition, there are many expectorants with similar effects. If you have a slight fever, then steam inhalations with herbal infusions (calendula or chamomile) will also be very useful. Let’s not forget about folk remedies for coughs.
When choosing nasal drops give preference to oil-based products. They not only make breathing easier, but also do not dry out the mucous membrane. To relieve swelling in the sinus area, use antihistamines. The nose can be washed with a decoction of St. John's wort.
Regular gargling will quickly relieve your sore throat. Use decoctions of chamomile, calendula, sage or special ready-made medicinal solutions that can be bought at any pharmacy. Another common option is lozenges or lozenges, which are good for a sore throat.

Treatment of influenza at home will be successful if you promptly recognize the type of viral infection and choose the right medications. Be always healthy!

Influenza is an acute viral disease accompanied by severe intoxication of the body and damage to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. This disease tends to cause serious complications with poor or delayed treatment, which in some cases can even lead to the death of the patient. In total, there are three types of influenza - A, B and C. All of them, in turn, are divided into multiple varieties, which appear due to the combination of various protein complexes located on the surface of the viral shell. Most often, people encounter influenza A. Its varieties are prone to rapid mutation and for this reason are especially dangerous. It is due to influenza A that the maximum number of sick people die.

Once on the surface of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, mouth or eyes, the virus quickly penetrates cells and begins to rapidly multiply. Under its influence, the captured cell is destroyed, and the virus, along with the toxins that it releases during its life, is carried by the blood throughout the body, striking the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Only with proper therapy can it be possible to cope with the disease without complications and without exposing the body to excessive overload. In treatment, you should use not only medications, but also folk remedies that can speed up the recovery of the body. In addition, all patients need to remember that if they are infected with the flu, they must seek medical help (even if they do not need sick leave). The thing is that for proper treatment it is important to accurately determine the type of flu, but it is impossible to do this on your own.

What factors predispose to influenza infection?

In order for the influenza virus to easily multiply in the body and lead to illness, predisposing factors are required. They reduce the body's defenses, more or less suppressing local and general immunity and eliminating barriers to the virus. Such accomplices of the disease include:

• severe fatigue, both chronic and one-time;
• chronic sleep deprivation - sleeping less than 8 hours a day for 1 week or more;
• severe emotional stress;
• lack of vitamins in food;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx;
• long-term wearing of contact lenses;
• chronic dysbacteriosis;
• constant contact with patients (if there are patients at home, as well as work in infectious diseases departments of hospitals);
• very severe hypothermia;
• excessive air pollution.

When such disease-provoking factors appear, the risk of contracting influenza increases many times over.

Flu symptoms

The flu begins quickly, 6–12 hours after the virus enters the body. The patient's condition quickly deteriorates and may even reach critical condition. The following symptoms indicate that you have been infected with influenza:

• a sharp increase in body temperature to 39–40 degrees;
• very strong chills;
• intense headache;
• pressing pain in the eyes;
• profuse sweating;
• increasing dizziness;
• rapid onset weakness;
• aching bones;
• muscle aches;
• intolerance to bright light;
• dry throat;
• severe sore throat;
• intense redness of the nasopharynx;
• chest pain of varying intensity;
• nasal congestion;
• dry, scratching cough;
• increased heart rate;
• nose bleed;
• fainting;
• convulsions.

When the last 3 symptoms appear, you must urgently call an ambulance, since this condition requires immediate medical intervention, without which there is a high risk of death. You should also pay attention to the fact that fever during the flu should not last longer than 4 days. If it persists for a longer period or, after a persistent decrease, jumps again to high values, then this is evidence of the development of a complication of the disease. In such a situation, an urgent examination is required to identify the affected organ and begin treatment.

Complications of influenza

When a patient does not treat the flu, but simply relieves its main symptoms and endures the disease on his feet, then he is guaranteed complications. Flu is a disease that requires full therapy and bed rest, and neglecting this rule is strictly prohibited.

If the flu is not taken seriously, complications arise after 5–7 days of illness, some of which are fatal. Doctors call the main consequences of the flu:

• necrotic foci in the tissues of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system;
• pneumonia;
• sinusitis;
• otitis;
• acute swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, leading to suffocation;
• hemorrhage in the lungs;
• destruction of cerebral vessels with subsequent hemorrhage;
• swelling of the spinal cord;
• cerebral edema;
• meningitis;
• encephalitis;
• radiculitis.

In addition to the main complications of influenza listed above, damage to other organs may also occur. There are cases of complications on the kidneys, liver and heart, which are also very dangerous. Diabetes mellitus also develops against the background of influenza.

Medicines to treat influenza

Treatment of influenza with medications is divided into antiviral therapy and symptomatic therapy. The first is necessary in order to destroy the causative agent of the disease in an extremely short time, and the second is necessary in order to improve the patient’s condition and prevent extreme intoxication. To combat the influenza virus, antiviral drugs are used, the most popular of which are:

• Rimantadine is an antiviral drug that destroys the vast majority of types of influenza A. It is important to start taking this medicine on the first day of illness (immediately after the onset of symptoms): the drug is taken in a volume of 300 mg, dividing the dose into 3 doses. On the second and third days, drink 200 mg 2 times and on the fourth day - 100 mg once. If the first day of illness is missed, the use of rimantadine is useless, since it will no longer be able to stop the development of the virus.
• Arbidol is a drug effective against viruses group A and B. Take the medicine from the first day of illness, 600 mg, dividing the dose into 3 doses per day, for a week.
• Kagocel is a powerful immunostimulant that suppresses the activity of various types of influenza. It is used according to the instructions (depending on the age of the patient and the form of the disease).
• Ingavirin is an antiviral agent effective against influenza A and B. Use 1 capsule per day for a week. For children and adults it is available in different dosages: for children – 60 mg and for adults – 90 mg.

Symptomatic therapy includes the use of antipyretic, antiallergic, expectorant and analgesic drugs. Their choice remains with the doctor or the patient himself. Pharmacies offer a wide range of such medications, and choosing the best option is not difficult. Antibiotics are useless for influenza because they have no effect on viruses. They are prescribed only if a bacterial infection is associated with a viral infection.

Home remedies for flu

Home remedies for flu are needed as complementary therapy to help support the body and speed up recovery.

• Most types of flu lose their activity in the body when cinnamon medicine is consumed. It significantly speeds up recovery, but does not stop taking medications. To prepare the drug, you need to take 50 g of natural cinnamon powder and pour 2 glasses of vodka into it. The medicine is infused in the dark for 20 days, and therefore, just in case, it should be prepared in advance before the onset of flu and colds. After the infusion time has passed, the medicine is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. If necessary, take 30 drops 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The duration of this treatment is 7 days.
• An infusion of eucalyptus leaves quickly improves the patient’s condition due to the fact that it allows you to relieve inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa as quickly as possible. To prepare it, pour 1 tablespoon of leaves with 1 glass of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 1 hour. After filtering, the medicine is divided into 3 parts and used heated for gargling in the morning, afternoon and evening. Treatment continues until the soreness and pain disappear.
• Garlic helps shorten the duration of illness by several days. To achieve a therapeutic effect, you need to consume 5 medium-sized cloves of garlic during the period of illness, chewing them well.

Flu prevention

To avoid getting the flu, you should ideally get vaccinated in a timely manner. If for some reason you had to refuse it, then you need to pay attention to the following preventive measures against the flu:

• good nutrition;
• complete rest;
• rinsing the nasal passages after being in a public place;
• regular hand washing;
• good sleep;
• use of drugs that strengthen the immune system;
• use of oxolinic ointment.

In addition to these preventive actions, it is also worth taking others: paying attention to preventing contact with patients, for which it is not recommended to visit medical institutions unless absolutely necessary in the midst of an epidemic. Flu is a serious disease, the danger of which should not be underestimated. Its treatment must be approached with all responsibility, and under no circumstances should it be carried on your feet.

With the arrival of winter, 60-80% of the population faces a severe and serious problem called influenza. This disease is caused by influenza viruses A, B, C, and is characterized by damage to the upper respiratory tract and severe intoxication. The flu is transmitted from a sick person with droplets of saliva when talking, coughing, sneezing, and has a high degree of contagiousness, which causes the development of epidemics in 90% of cases. As a rule, it is not the flu itself that is dangerous, but the life-threatening complications that arise from improper or untimely treatment. You need to know how to treat the flu at home in order to start fighting it in time and avoid negative consequences.

High risk groups

Anyone can get the flu, but the risk increases significantly if you:

• children under 3 years old;
• persons taking acetylsalicylic acid for the purpose of treatment and prevention;
• pregnant women;
• people over 65 years of age;
• those suffering from chronic pathologies (bronchial asthma, obstructive pulmonary diseases, kidney failure, heart failure, mental disorders, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus);
• persons with immunodeficiency.

Main symptoms

Recognizing flu symptoms at home is not difficult. It begins acutely, sometimes with lightning speed. Symptoms of intoxication come to the fore: the temperature rises to 39-40°C, severe weakness occurs, and severe headaches, joint and muscle pain occur. The person cannot get out of bed, refuses to eat, and limits conversation. On the 2-3rd day, tickling, burning, sore throat, dry cough, slight mucous discharge from the nose and difficulty breathing appear.

Principles of flu treatment

It is necessary to begin treating the flu at home immediately after the first signs appear in order to speed up recovery and minimize the risk of complications. With timely treatment, mild influenza lasts 3-4 days, moderate influenza lasts 5-7 days, severe influenza lasts more than 10 days. Without adequate treatment, mild forms of the disease may go away on their own, but the recovery period will take 10-14 days. Untreated severe flu can lead to death or, at best, to long-term treatment and rehabilitation in a hospital setting.

Treatment of influenza with traditional methods will be most effective if you adhere to an algorithm for providing care, which includes:

1. Mode.
2. Compliance with hygiene standards.
3. Diet.
4. Fight dehydration.
5. Specific and nonspecific antiviral therapy.
6. Symptomatic treatment (anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antitussive).
7. General strengthening measures (vitamin therapy, hardening).

When the flu occurs in a child under 3 years of age and the symptoms are difficult to eliminate, you should consult a doctor!

Regime and hygiene for influenza

If the question arises of how to cure the flu at home quickly and effectively, then you should start by organizing a regimen and optimizing living conditions, which provide 50% of the success of improving the condition.

A person with ARVI is very weak and requires the help of others. Bed rest is required, with restriction of any activity for the first 2-3 days of the disease. Getting out of bed is allowed in cases of emergency for a few minutes. When moving, the load on the cardiovascular system sharply increases, blood supply to the brain deteriorates, and dizziness may occur, followed by loss of consciousness.

The patient's room should be ventilated 3-5 times a day. If this does not happen, viruses exhaled into the air accumulate in high concentrations, which slows down the healing process and reduces the effectiveness of treatment.

The second way to prevent the accumulation of viral particles is to change bed linen and clothing daily.

The patient should have a personal toothbrush, a towel, a comb and dishes, which must be washed immediately after eating and rinsed in boiling water.

Medical nutrition

There are recommendations on how to get rid of influenza and ARVI with the help of a proper diet. Its goal is not to “feed” the patient, but to provide the body with easily digestible nutrients, vitamins, and microelements. You need to eat often, at least 6 times a day, in small portions.

Authorized products:

• light broths (chicken, turkey);
• vegetable soup, puree;
• lean boiled, baked meat;
• steamed meatballs;
• Steamed fish;
• vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins (citrus fruits, carrots, fresh peas, potatoes, all types of cabbage, tomatoes, currants, spinach, parsley, wheat sprouts);
• dairy products;
• buckwheat porridge;
• soft-boiled eggs;
• crackers;
• liver.

Prohibited products:

• fatty, fried meat;
• smoked sausage, fish;
• fresh baked goods;
• conservation;
• chocolate, cocoa, candies;
• spices and herbs;
• ice cream;

Food should be freshly prepared, warm, lightly salted, and not contain preservatives, flavors or colorings. Chew thoroughly, slowly, so that pieces of food do not further injure your irritated throat.

Treatment of dehydration

The fight against fluid loss must begin immediately. The main cause of dehydration is high temperature. You should drink at least 3 liters of warm liquid per day in small sips. Teas, compotes and juices with a high content of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6 and E have proven themselves as remedies for flu and colds.

Vitamin C is one of the main ones in the treatment of colds. The influenza virus destroys vascular walls, which manifests itself in the form of bruises, hemorrhages in the sclera and, in severe cases, in internal organs. Vitamin C increases the body's resistance to infections, restores damaged tissue, increases vascular tone and reduces their permeability.

The storehouse of this vitamin is:

• decoction of rose hips, sea buckthorn, dill;
• currant and rowan compotes;
• apple, lemon, orange, tomato juices;
• raspberry tea.

You should drink at least 1 liter of these liquids daily.

B vitamins increase cell resistance to viral toxins, improve and accelerate metabolism, and ensure normal functioning of nerve cells.

Should be used:

• kiwi smoothie, raw pumpkin;
• corn broth;
• dairy products;
• apple, tomato juices;

Vitamin E protects cells from toxins, providing a powerful antioxidant effect. There is a lot of it in:

• vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, soybean). You need to take 1 tablespoon daily;
• apple-banana, pear, orange juices.

In addition, you need to drink warm herbal teas. The most popular flu remedies are:

• tea with thyme, sage and chamomile;
• tea with fennel and linden blossom;
• mint tea with nettle and sage.

To prepare them, you need to take 2 tablespoons of the herb, pour 1 liter of boiling water, and leave for 30 minutes. Take 250 ml 4 times a day.

Without maintaining an adequate drinking regime, it is impossible to imagine a complete treatment!

Antiviral therapy

Many people are interested in how to quickly recover from the flu and not spend a lot of money. The disease is caused by a virus, so the main goal of therapy is to neutralize it. This can be done in two ways.

In the first case, they resort to the use of specific drugs that act directly on the viral cell. These include: Remantadine, Oseltamivir and Arbidol.

• Remantadine is the most common and inexpensive drug. Take for 5 days according to the following scheme: 1st day, 2 tablets 3 times a day, on days 2 and 3 – 2 tablets 2 times, on days 4-5, 2 tablets once in the morning;
• Oseltamivir is taken 1 capsule morning and evening for 5 days;
• Arbidol should be taken for 3 days, 2 tablets 4 times a day.

Treatment with these drugs is effective if used from the first day of symptoms.

The second, no less effective method is treatment with folk remedies with antiviral activity. This treatment is more common due to its low cost and the absence, according to people, of a “chemical” effect on the body.

The most effective homemade antiviral herbal remedies:

1. . A product that has no analogues in its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is superior to many drugs. The therapeutic effect is observed when consumed raw or in cooking, in the form of an infusion, by instilling juice diluted with water into the nose. Use in any form at least once a day.
2. Echinacea infusion. It has a powerful immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect. Pour a teaspoon of herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Take 3 times a day.
3. Elderberry decoction. Take 7-10 dry berries, pour a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes. Take 50-70 ml 3 times a day.
4. Tea and infusion from ginger root. The drug should be taken with caution in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with high acidity. Tea warms well and eliminates chills. Pour a teaspoon of grated root into 150 ml of hot water, add mint and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply 5 times a day.

Combating the main symptoms

High temperature is the main cause of deterioration and malaise. You need to get rid of it gradually, and do not strive for a rapid decrease to 36.6°C. To eliminate fever and increase sweating, take elderberry decoction, cranberry juice, and raspberry tea. If the temperature does not decrease, it is necessary to wipe the limbs and forehead with a vinegar solution diluted with water in equal proportions.

For a sore throat, gargling with a soda-salt solution and lubricating the throat with an iodine solution can help.

The most popular folk remedies for cough are prepared on the basis of warm milk with the addition of honey, garlic, propolis, banana pulp, and ginger. You need to take this milk in a volume of 250 ml at night.

How and how to treat the flu is decided by each person individually. The main thing is that it is a comprehensive and rational treatment that can eliminate dangerous symptoms. It must be remembered that older people and children are more prone to severe flu and rapid development of complications, therefore, if there is no positive dynamics in the first 2 days, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It seems obvious and easily accessible to many, but this is precisely the path to complications. It turns out that getting rid of flu symptoms, lying at home during this time, and even worse, standing on your feet, does not mean curing and forgetting.

Why is influenza difficult to treat?

It is widely known that influenza belongs to the group of respiratory infections of a viral nature. In essence, this is the same ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection), but differs in its aggressiveness towards the human body. Science knows hundreds of respiratory viruses, infections with which become more active in cold weather, but it is influenza that reaches the level of annual epidemics.

Both influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections are viruses that enter the human body with the air that we inhale, which means through the nasopharynx during conversations, sneezing, and coughing. Both influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections are manifested by fever, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. .

It is possible to distinguish the flu from a cold in the first hours of the disease; more precisely, it is the first hours that the flu cannot be confused with another respiratory infection. In most cases, from the moment of infection with the influenza virus to the appearance of symptoms of the disease, 1-2 days pass, however, sometimes this period can last up to 5 days (incubation period). The peculiarity of its manifestations is that the infection literally knocks a person off his feet - the body temperature rises to 39 ºC or more, joint and muscle pain develops, headache, general weakness is so pronounced that it is not possible to continue the usual pace of activity. A person with the flu needs bed rest and tries to fall asleep, but this is not always possible. During these first hours and days of the active phase of influenza, the following occurs:

• influenza viruses invade the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract;
• cells of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract are affected, which in a healthy state contribute to the removal of dust, foreign particles and microbes, but are now unable to perform their protective functions;
• thus, the weakened mucosa becomes a field for the attachment and reproduction of bacterial microflora;
• Cellular immunity is suppressed, which means that the virus in the body, together with attached bacteria, poses a threat to many organs and systems.

Usually doesn't last long. The average duration of the febrile period of influenza is 3-5 days, and then the temperature drops, and this makes the patient think that he has recovered and can return to the normal rhythm of life - exhaust himself with work, cool off in the frosty air, stop drinking vitamins, teas, medications . This is where the danger lies, because the flu is dangerous due to its long-term consequences. In general, the severity of the initial condition is determined by the general health of the patient (including the presence of concomitant diseases), his age, and previous contact with this type of virus. Intoxication, which occurs as a result of the presence of the virus in the body, is highly likely to affect the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, nervous systems, kidney function, joints, and brain. The most typical consequences of the flu include:

• pneumonia- the most common complication of influenza, to exclude which an X-ray of the lungs is prescribed when the patient has recovered; distinguish between primary and secondary pneumonia, with slightly different symptoms
  • primary- belongs to the group of viral pneumonia, since its causative agent is the influenza virus rather than a bacteria that has managed to join; develops within 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, its manifestations do not go unnoticed - a productive cough, difficulty breathing, the same elevated temperature, which, in the presence of an inflammatory process, is in no hurry to drop to normal levels;
  • secondary- unlike the previous one, it develops when the flu itself has subsided, and the patient’s state of health is quite normal (the temperature is low-grade or completely absent, or, on the contrary, it jumps sharply); happens due to the addition of bacterial microflora against the background of a weakened immune system by the virus;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs:
  • otitis,
  • sinusitis,
  • rhinitis,
  • tracheitis,
  • bronchitis
  • laryngitis
• vascular damage- under the influence of influenza, the permeability of blood vessels, including the brain, is impaired; the heart muscle suffers, inflammation here can respond with pericarditis and myocarditis;
• nervous system damage- if the influenza virus ends up in brain tissue, the work of microphage cells is disrupted, as a result, immune function is disrupted, and the macrophages themselves attack living nervous tissue, what happens:
  • Reye's syndrome,
  • meningitis,
  • Alice Syndrome,
  • neuralgia,
  • polyradiculoneuritis
• inflammation of the meninges may go unnoticed if it is arachnoiditis - you should suspect it and urgently go for examination if in the second week from the onset of the disease, when it seems that the disease is behind you, severe pain develops in the forehead and bridge of the nose, dizziness and nausea flash before your eyes " flies"; this complication is very dangerous for vision;
• muscle complications, in particular myositis, occurs more often in children and manifests itself with muscle pain for several days.

Flu can aggravate any chronic disease. This is an extremely undesirable virus for people with immunodeficiency, diabetes, for elderly people, most of whom have chronic diseases, for pregnant women and young children. In severe cases of influenza in young patients, people with weakened immune systems, those suffering from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system and lungs, as well as in the elderly, death is possible. Because flu treatment at home must be done with extreme caution and compliance with many nuances.

How to effectively treat flu at home?

Treatment of influenza traditionally begins with home therapy. Those who are particularly brave and self-confident do not even consider it necessary to call a doctor to your home, as they say he will not prescribe anything new. This is the first misconception. If you suspect you have the flu, consultation with a specialist is necessary as early as possible. It is noted that it is possible to most effectively influence the virus in the first hours of the onset of the disease, but if you manage to call a doctor only the next day, this is still better than doing nothing.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Treating flu at home will not be considered complete and sufficient if you consider it acceptable to walk over the flu on your feet. That is, you won’t be able to rush to work in the morning, take pills during the day, and gargle and inhale in the evening. This is a sure way to severe flu and the development of complications. The first day from the onset of the disease is the most difficult. The disease knocks you down - in a matter of hours the body temperature rises, headache (the head is literally pinched in a vice) and muscle pain (the body aches) develops. This forces the patient to lie down in bed and try to sleep. This course of events is correct - bed rest is indicated for the flu.

If you suspect you have the flu, you need to call a therapist at home, and before he arrives:

• take an antiviral drug for influenza (if one is available in your home medicine cabinet);
• take an antipyretic if the body temperature exceeds 38 °C for children and 38.5 °C for adults;
• ensure a plentiful drinking regime - you need to drink a lot and preferably vitamin drinks or medicinal teas - the patient actively sweats, and together with urine, as well as with sweat, the body gets rid of toxins; an abundant drinking regime ensures active sweating and urination, otherwise there is a risk of developing dehydration;
• limit any activity, including mental activity - watching TV, reading, using a computer;
• ventilate regularly to ensure the circulation of fresh air and not turn the room into a breeding ground for the virus - open the window briefly, for example, while the patient goes to the toilet.

What will the doctor do?

Calling a doctor to your home can be neglected, but even ardent adherents of self-medication should know that if you suspect the flu, an examination of the patient by a specialist is necessary:

• this allows you to listen to wheezing in the lungs, which means drawing conclusions about the degree of damage to the respiratory tract - it is impossible to independently understand how deeply the virus has penetrated;
• this allows you to consult with a doctor about effective drugs for a specific viral strain - the doctor, due to the specifics of his profession, is aware of the strain of influenza that is active in a particular season, and what drugs are best for it, therefore the drugs prescribed by the doctor are usually more effective self-selected.

If calling a doctor is necessary on the first day of the flu, then after 3-5 days it must be repeated again. To exclude pneumonia and other complications, for a possible revision of the treatment strategy.

How to treat flu at home?

Treating flu at home must be comprehensive. The insidiousness of this disease is that the virus causes harm by itself, and also creates the ground for the addition of bacterial microflora. It significantly undermines the immune system, and therefore flu treatment at home should include:

• taking pharmaceuticals,
• use of folk remedies,
• bed rest and quality rest, maximum sleep,
• complete nutrition,
• strengthening the immune system - taking vitamins and immune-stimulating substances.

Treating influenza at home with pharmaceuticals

There are a number of specific pharmaceutical drugs, the action of which is narrowly aimed at destroying the influenza virus. Such drugs turn out to be ineffective in the treatment of any other respiratory infections, just as simple antiviral drugs (Teraflu, Anaferon, etc.) will not be effective enough for the flu. Narrowly specific for influenza are:

• neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza);
• M2 inhibitors: amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine).

The former are effective in combating both type A and type B viruses; the latter are especially effective against influenza A. They help both shorten the duration of the disease and completely prevent influenza if taken as preventive measures.

• - created on the basis of oseltamivir, indicated for adults and children over one year of age for the prevention and treatment of influenza. After oral administration of oseltamivir phosphate, its active metabolite was detected in the lungs, bronchial lavage waters, nasal mucosa, middle ear and trachea in concentrations providing an antiviral effect. The medication is allowed for use during pregnancy and lactation, but with caution; Contraindicated in chronic renal failure and sensitivity to any component of the drug. The drug should be taken no later than 2 days from the development of symptoms of the disease. Adults and children over 12 years old - 75 mg 2 times a day orally for 5 days, children under 40 kg - 75 mg 1 time a day.
• - created on the basis of zanamivir, indicated for adults and children over five years of age for the prevention and treatment of influenza types A and B; is a substance for inhalation. After oral inhalation, zanamivir is deposited in the respiratory tract in high concentrations, ensuring delivery of the drug to the “entry gate” of the infection. The effectiveness and safety of zanamivir during pregnancy and lactation have not been studied; Hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug, bronchospastic diseases of the respiratory tract (including a history of) are considered contraindications for use. The recommended dose of zanamivir is 2 inhalations (2x5 mg) 2 times a day for 5 days.

In addition to the above-mentioned medications, the doctor can prescribe more affordable drugs that have an antiviral effect, proving their effectiveness against influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections:

• - inhibits the surface viral protein hemagglutinin and prevents the penetration of influenza A and B viruses into the cell; has a long-term protective effect, reduces symptoms of intoxication, the severity of catarrhal symptoms, shortens the febrile period and the overall duration of the disease; prevents the development of post-influenza complications, normalizes immunological parameters. Contraindications for use: hypersensitivity and age under 2 years. Should be taken orally, before meals; a single dose for children 2-6 years old - 0.05 g, 6-12 years old - 0.1 g, over 12 years old and adults - 0.2 g 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days.
• - a homeopathic preparation, where the active substance is purified antibodies isolated from the blood serum of rabbits immunized with recombinant human interferon gamma. It has an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect, reduces the concentration of viruses in affected tissues, affects the system of endogenous interferons and associated cytokines, induces the formation of endogenous interferons and interferon gamma. When the first signs of an acute viral infection appear, take according to the following regimen: for the first 2 hours, 1 tablet every half hour (4 doses); then during the first day - 3 more doses at regular intervals; from the second day onwards, take 1 tablet three times a day until complete recovery.
• - the active ingredient tiloron is effective against not only influenza viruses, but also hepatitis A, B, cytomegalovirus and herpes. The mechanism of antiviral action is associated with inhibition of the translation of virus-specific proteins in infected cells, as a result of which virus reproduction is suppressed. The drug should not be prescribed during pregnancy and lactation, in children under seven years of age, or in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. The recommended dose in the first 2 days of illness is 0.125 g, then 0.125 g every other day.

Treatment of influenza at home with folk remedies

Folk remedies for treating influenza at home are often used, their effectiveness is quite high. At the same time, one should not harbor unnecessary illusions that folk remedies can have an antiviral effect similar to pharmaceuticals. The influenza virus is aggressive and active enough to succumb to the influence of folk remedies, so taking them is unlikely to be sufficient.

Folk remedies in the treatment of influenza are used to restore the patient’s immunity, supply his body with vitamins and medicinal extracts that promote recovery. However, the greatest effect will be achieved if you combine the use of folk remedies with the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

Take note of the following recipes for treating flu at home:

• Grind 4 egg yolks with a small amount of sugar until foam forms, add, stirring gently, a little more than 0.5 liters of fresh heated beer, add a pinch of cinnamon, 3-4 cloves and the grated zest of half a lemon into the resulting mass; send the mixture to the stove and boil for 5-7 minutes, but do not boil, drink about a glass of the resulting broth at a time, repeat 3-4 times a day;
• combine 1 tsp. honey and 2.5 tsp. beet juice, use for instillation of the nasal passages 4-5 times a day;
• Wash a medium-sized onion in the husk, fill it with water to the top, add 50 g of sugar; cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, cool, strain; take a decoction of 1 tbsp. 4-5 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.

Traditionally, when treating influenza at home, you can and should:

• use inhalations of eucalyptus, sage, potato peel;
• drink a lot - chamomile and linden, raspberry and ginger teas, infusions of rosehip and viburnum;
• eat honey, lemon and other citrus fruits, currant and raspberry jam, chicken broth, onions and garlic, various spices (for sweating).

A few words about regime and diet

If the patient has influenza, sick leave is issued for 7-10 days. During this time, the body must not only recover, but also recover. The peculiarity of the flu is that it significantly undermines the immune system, which means that ideally after 5 days (on average) the virus is destroyed, but the body is not strong enough to take on everyday activities. Otherwise, the risk of secondary infection and the development of complications increases. Moreover, there is a risk of complications if, during the first five days of illness, the patient ignored bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet and taking adequate medications.

To prevent the development of complications on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, maximum rest is necessary; any intellectual stress is contraindicated.

The diet should exclude:

• heavy meat and fish dishes,
• fried and fatty
• fast food,
• sausages and canned food,
• alcohol and coffee,
• any sweets due to high sugar content, incl. sweet juices and fruits, honey may be an exception.

During the period of illness and for several weeks after it, it is necessary to take the utmost care of your health; taking vitamin-mineral complexes and consuming vitamin-containing foods is recommended.

When should you refuse hospitalization?

At risk of influenza complications are the elderly and young children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency conditions. Such categories of the population require close attention from a specialist, and if at the first examination the doctor recommends hospitalization, it is better not to refuse it.

Another compelling argument for hospitalization is a developed complication of influenza:

• otitis,
• sinusitis and rhinitis,
• meningitis and encephalitis,
• pneumonia,
  damage to the cardiovascular system,
• damage to the nervous system.

Such diseases against the background of previously occurring influenza are extremely dangerous for the same risk groups, they even have a risk of death.

A doctor may prescribe hospitalization for a person who has a high fever due to the flu for more than 1-2 days, taking into account medications.

Treating flu at home in such cases it is necessary to stop and rely on a professional medical approach.

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No one wants to get sick, but sometimes, despite all our efforts, a cold strikes at the most inopportune moment in life. It is necessary to prepare your body for immune defense, especially during seasonal flu outbreaks.

Flu treatment

As you know, influenza is a type of cold. Unfortunately, every winter season is accompanied by its activation and outbreak. The flu is especially hard on the elderly and children, whose immunity is very weak for such serious bacteria. So, in fact, in nature there are three types of influenza: A, B and C, the first two pose the greatest danger. They have variability, that is, a tendency to mutation. It is not difficult to catch such bacteria; most often people become infected through contact with an already infected patient. In addition, in crowded places, public transport, shops, clinics, and so on, there is also a high probability of becoming infected. An adult is usually sick for no more than a few weeks. With normal immunity, complications should also not be present.

Symptoms

To identify flu symptoms, you need to listen to your feelings. Usually this is an unpleasant aches in the joints, headache and chills, and another characteristic symptom is a high temperature. It manifests itself with a sharp increase, up to thirty-nine degrees, almost instantly. After a couple of days, a dry cough and sore throat occurs. In the best case of disease development, these signs fade away after five days.

It is often difficult to separate influenza and acute respiratory infections, since they are practically the same diseases, but influenza is distinguished by its inherent consequences. They carry a mortal danger and arise due to a specific effect on the human body, damaging small vessels and disrupting their circulation. As a result, the immune system is seriously affected.

Flu: treatment at home

Most often, viral influenza is treated with general symptomatic therapy; patients are primarily prescribed bed rest. This particular disease is one of those that simply needs to be treated with care, taking care of your own condition.

To reduce the development of intoxication and maintain optimal moisture in the mucous membranes, drinking plenty of fluids is extremely important. Both simply non-carbonated mineral waters and fruit drinks, compotes, and decoctions are useful. It is in the mucous membranes that immunoglobulin is formed, which prevents bacteria from developing, which means it can prevent the development of complications.

When performing treatment at home, in addition to bed rest and plenty of fluids, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. They additionally help reduce pain in the head, muscles and joints. There are also combination drugs that also contain antihistamines and vitamin C.

It is worth taking care of individual organs that may suffer due to bacterial attack. For example, rinse the nasal passage with saline solution, then drip vasoconstrictor drops. A dry cough is disgusting and difficult to treat; if it becomes severe, it is better to consult a doctor.

It is extremely undesirable to take antibiotics, since their use often does not lead to anything good. Even for preventive purposes, there is a possibility of harming your condition.

Flu and ARVI at home

Visiting clinics is a separate “pleasure” that you want to avoid. Having felt a decrease in immunity, if the flu does occur, we often choose treatment at home. Of course, self-medication is not the best option, and yet, if you decide to get rid of flu syndromes at home, here are some recommendations:
• Try to move as little as possible; the most optimal and correct solution would be to stay in bed, well covered with a blanket.
• Drink a lot of water, even if you can’t handle it anymore; fruit drinks will be extremely useful in this matter. Pomegranate juice is also allowed in moderate quantities, but it is better to dilute it a little with boiled water.
• If you are at that fortunate stage when the temperature does not exceed normal, make foot baths, for example, with mustard.

Folk remedies for flu

The so-called medicine of the people is a slightly dubious way of fighting for health, since it does not always act correctly. But it's worth a try.

Here are a few common recipes collected over many years that have an auxiliary effect:
• If we return to the recipes for foot baths, there are quite a lot of them, except for immersing your feet in boiling water. You can add table salt and a couple of drops of eucalyptus or mint essential oil. Sit like this for no more than fifteen minutes, then wipe your feet dry and wrap yourself up very well. But remember: this procedure increases body temperature, so it is important to make sure that it is normal.
• Also in folk medicine, various decoctions and herbal infusions are very welcome, one of which is based on ginger root. This is a very powerful drink for activating the immune system, in addition, ginger can be added to hot tea with honey.
• And another frequently used recipe for getting rid of colds is inhalation, that is, inhaling steam. Before going to bed, you need to make a decoction based on two tablespoons of chamomile, sage and mint. When it boils, remove from the stove. Very carefully, so as not to get burned by the steam, stand over the container with the broth and inhale deeply through your nose, then through your mouth. It is advisable to sit down and throw a towel on top for greater effect. Breathe this way for about ten minutes.

How to treat an adult at home

Anyone can get the flu, regardless of age, gender or vaccination status. An adult can tolerate this virus much more easily than children, but complications can befall anyone. That is why it is necessary to take maximum measures at the first stage. Traditional medicine is good, but in combination with modern medicine. The doctor, as a rule, prescribes antiviral drugs first, these include anaferon, rimantadine, arbidol, and so on.

Often an adult is afraid to go on sick leave and goes to work with all the courage, but this is absolutely not allowed. If there is no fever with general signs of malaise, this does not mean that you have not suffered from the flu. By carrying the disease on your feet, you can develop fever and chills with a temperature of up to forty degrees. To combat this, antipyretic drugs are used, of which there are a huge variety in pharmacies today, but most often, as you already know, ibuprofen or paracetamol are used. Aspirin is a big question, but it is better to abstain from it, since if it is used incorrectly, the patient’s condition, on the contrary, can worsen.

Flu in children

But the most common risk group for the disease is children; their still weak immunity is not able to resist all viruses. Children get sick all the time, but the flu is extremely dangerous, as its consequences can make serious changes in the child’s health. Plus, treatment adds complexity, because not all drugs are safe for the child’s body, and preventive vaccination before three years of age is not at all advisable.

If uncomplicated influenza is detected, pediatricians prescribe constant bed rest. A lot of liquid is also given, the room is regularly ventilated, and the mouth and throat are rinsed. Do not forget that during illness everyone’s appetite decreases significantly; there is no need to force them to eat. The main thing is that the child drinks enough water; you can give low-fat foods, broths, boiled eggs, and liquid cereals.

If a child begins to develop a cough, determine what type it is - dry, wet. It is much easier to treat the second type, because it is often a process of clearing the bronchi from mucus formation. And with dry it is worth contacting a pediatrician; most likely, he will select emollient mixtures. If there is no temperature, mustard plasters and warming the feet using mustard have a very good effect.

Again, you can resort to Antigrippin powder for children. Doses also change depending on age, read the instructions. This combined remedy contains an antipyretic, vitamin C and another group of components that can put the baby back on his feet at the first symptoms. What is a cold without snot? It is necessary to rinse the child’s nasal passages, then drip Salin or Quisk into the already clean ones.

Treating the flu at home: folk remedies and medications

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