The flu often has to run its own course before it goes away, but there are things that you can do to ease the symptoms so you'll feel better.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to sleep like a baby. Sleeping is so healing and helps your immune system to go to work in healing you faster. You will find that a lot of rest and napping with the flu bug will make you feel so much better when the flu is running its course.

Plenty of fluids is really essential. You need to drink all you can and wash out the germs in the body. A lot of water will do this, and it also keeps you hydrated. If you are vomiting, drink slowly, a few sips of a warm soft drink at a time. Cold drinks if you are vomiting will only hit your stomach the wrong way, and make you throw up much more, causing further dehydration. Personally, I think warm Coca-Cola is the best. Try three sips every 10 minutes or so.

Fevers are common with the flu also. If you are running a fever, or your child has the flu and running one, don't give aspirins, but give Tylenol. Tylenol is an excellent fever reducer. You can also wash down the body with tepid water using a washcloth or sponge. This is very cooling.

If you are having a lot of nasal symptoms, you can try some nasal sprays to help relieve your discomfort. Tylenol or Ibuprofen may help this symptom as well. Make sure you have plenty of nice soft tissues on hand for this time and some Vaseline to rub around your nose for the soreness from blowing. An antihistamine would probably also help with your nasal symptoms. Please ask your doctor about that and/or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.

You can also prevent from getting the flu by using antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. Not only are these helpful for just the Swine flu, but they will help prevent the regular flu virus as well. Another drug is Relenza, which is also an antiviral medicine. People should always get the seasonal flu shot annually too, as I do believe it plays a large role in flu prevention.

If your flu is such that you are not getting any better, and running really high fevers, than it is time to seek your doctor's advice for treatment.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Kirkman.
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