by Charles Simmins

Created on: February 08, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

The symptoms of the flu will make you feel miserable. There are ways to treat the flu that can help you feel better or even reduce the number of days that you are sick.

The flu may resemble a cold but it will last longer and you are going to feel much worse than you would with a cold. There is no cure for the flu. Antibiotics will not help. Here are some things you can do.

First, stay home from work or school. Your friends and co-workers will thank you. Staying at home really means resting. Become a couch potato and rest. Pushing yourself stresses your body and it is already trying to fight off the flu.

Drink lots of liquids. No alcohol, because it dehydrates. Your fever and possible upset stomach will mean that you are losing water so replacing fluids is important. Water, fruit juice, and specialty drinks such as Pedialyte will keep your body hydrated.

Over the counter cold medicines can help with the upper respiratory symptoms. Keep in mind that children and teens should not be given aspirin because of the risk of a serious medical complication or death. Many different brands offer cold and flu medicines that may help. Some of these are found at the pharmacy counter, so ask the pharmacist for suggestions.

Influenza will last longer than a cold, a week or more. Do not expect to bounce back quickly. The young and the elderly, as well as those with chronic disease or conditions, will be sicker and take longer to recover.

There are some signs and symptoms that should be taken seriously, and immediate medical treatment sought. Trouble breathing, not drinking enough, severe lethargy or irritability and fever with a rash are some medical danger signals. If your body is not taking in enough oxygen, it can affect alertness, thinking and mood. Prolonged fever can suggest that a secondary infection is taking over from the flu.

There is no cure for influenza but there are medications that can reduce the duration of the illness. Anti-viral drugs can be used within the first 48 hours of an infection. They may reduce the duration of your illness by 1-2 days. Like all drugs, they can have side effects and they may also not be effective on the strain of influenza that you have.

Treating the flu is possible if you do three things. Rest, drink lots of fluids and take over the counter medicine for the relief of symptoms. Be aware of emergency warning signs that may mean a serious illness especially if you are in an at-risk group.

The Centers for Disease Control have a comprehensive website devoted to seasonal flu. Information about anti-viral drugs is available. The CDC also shows you how to take care of yourself if you catch the flu. If you are interested in information worldwide, the World Health Organization has a site devoted to influenza.

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