by Joshua Horn

Created on: February 21, 2011

In this fast-paced, hectic world, fighting off the flu can be a real burden, as it often involves several days of aches, pains, sneezing and misery. Thankfully, many treatments exist that have proven effective for relieving symptoms and shortening the infectious period for influenza.

1) Drink lots of fluids. This is the most often quoted remedy for the flu, and remains the most effective. Dehydration is often the most debilitating symptom of the flu, so drinking fluids can help the body maintain healthy levels.

2) Choose hot drinks and soup. Hot liquids are extremely effective home remedies for treating the flu, whether it is tea or soup. Not only do they help the body replenish fluids; they also provide heat that aids the body's immune response and clears nasal congestion. The natural response of the body to influenza infection is fever. Fever raises the body's temperature to levels that can denature viral proteins and prevent viral replication. By adding hot fluids to the body and taking hot showers, infected individuals can help weaken the virus infection cycle and allow the body time to build immunity.

Unfortunately, aiding the fever does little to help make living through the flu more comfortable. The fever is usually the worst part of the flu, and other symptoms can make it even more miserable.

3) Take medications for severe symptoms. If the infection is getting out of control, it's time to begin a course of medication. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help lower the fever, while nasal sprays can help break up mucus in the nose and chest. Antiviral drugs, like various neuraminidases, are very effective at stopping the progression of the flu virus. Studies have shown that these drugs can lower symptoms and shorten infection periods. However, infections in past years have shown increasing resistance to their effects and most researchers believe that increased use will breed more infectious strains of influenza.

4) Keep your family doctor informed. The last and most effective way to prevent serious complications from the flu is to see a family doctor. In many cases, flu infections can weaken the host immune system, leading to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Physicians can assess the progression of the flu and prescribe medications for the infection or the symptoms. By keeping a medical professional involved, infected individuals will have the resources available to stay safe and speed recovery if any complications arise or if the infection gets worse.

5) Get lots of rest. The human body's immune system is a powerful weapon against the flu virus and it needs ample time to build the necessary antibodies. Also, rest allows the body time to recuperate and rebuild while preventing the spread of virus that inevitably occurs when infected individuals decide to go to work or school.

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