by Alicia M Prater PhD

Created on: April 27, 2008

The flu is a viral respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus, which occurs in several types and strains. Symptoms vary based on the type and extent of the infection as well as the health of the individual. Children, the elderly, and chronic disease patients or those with suppressed immune systems are more susceptible to infection. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, coughing, sinus congestion, and sore throat.

Recommendations for treating the flu, based on information available from MayoClinic and the Centers for Disease Control, include getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of clear fluids, and eating chicken soup. The nutrients in the soup, and the steam clearing the sinuses, help the body fight off the infection. Fluids are necessary to keep the body hydrated. However, for the most part, the flu, like other viral infections, has to take its course. For those with more severe infections, there are prescription antiviral medications available to aid the body, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and zanamivir, but some of the common strains have already developed resistance to Tamiflu.

Most healthcare facilities, including hospitals and community clinics, advise not going to them for diagnosis or treatment as this aids in the spread of the flu. It is advised to use over-the-counter treatments or any at home remedy for cold and flu unless complications arise or the fever spikes.

To prevent infection, it is important to wash your hands often with warm water and mild soap, use sanitizing gels or liquids when in contact with other people, and to boost your immune system with foods or safe herbal remedies containing Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex. There are some older remedies that suggest zinc.

There is also a flu vaccine that is meant to prevent infection with the influenza virus and must be received prior to infection. Each season the flu shot is developed to protect against variations of the major strains expected to be present that year. Unfortunately, it takes several months to develop the vaccine and strains emerging later in the year are not included. This is the case for the 2007-2008 vaccine which does not protect against the common type A strain, resulting in a widespread outbreak of flu. However, the vaccine does offer cross immunity to decrease the severity of the infection.

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