Flu is caused by a viral attack that is very easily transmitted to the nasal cavity and throat. Everyone can get the flu, especially children. In general, adults get the flu 2-4 times a year, children 6-10 times a year if they are routinely active in daycare or school. Although not dangerous, flu symptoms often trigger discomfort, such as a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, lightheadedness, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, stuffy nose, and coughing. Usually, the flu goes away on its own because there is no cure, including antibiotics. To recover, you need to take care of your health, for example by getting enough rest and increasing your water consumption so that you feel comfortable while your body is struggling to beat infection.
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Part 1 of 2: Coping With the Flu
Step 1. Increase water consumption
Drinking water is useful to replace lost body fluids because the body produces mucus or has a fever. Therefore, you should drink more water than usual to feel comfortable and heal faster.
- In addition to water, you can drink fruit juices, unseasoned broth, or caffeine-free soft drinks without sugar and other ingredients.
- Don't drink coffee or tea and caffeinated soft drinks because they can lead to dehydration and make flu symptoms worse.
Step 2. Consume chicken soup
Recently, studies have shown that chicken soup is a traditional home remedy that can help reduce inflammation and flu symptoms, especially nasal congestion. You can have vegetable soup if you don't like chicken soup! Consumption of chicken soup can minimize flu symptoms and speed up the recovery process.
- Chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory substances and is useful for dealing with nasal congestion by increasing the flow of mucus through the nasal cavity.
- You can make your own chicken soup or buy canned chicken soup at the supermarket.
Step 3. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine
These products make flu symptoms worse. If you have a cold, this step can relieve flu symptoms more quickly so you feel comfortable.
Step 4. Use salt water to gargle
Sore and sore throat can be overcome simply by preparing salt water, then use it to gargle. Although the benefits are temporary, this step can be done as often as possible to relieve flu symptoms so that you feel comfortable.
- Make brine by dissolving -½ teaspoon of salt in 150-250 milliliters of warm water.
- Use salt water to gargle, but don't swallow it.
Step 5. Treat sore throat with lozenges or throat lozenges
The product contains a mild analgesic to treat sore throats. To treat nasal congestion, use throat lozenges containing eucalyptus or min.
- The product can be used every 2-3 hours or as directed by a doctor.
- Suck the throat lozenge until it runs out. Do not chew lozenges or swallow them whole because your throat may become numb and you may have difficulty swallowing.
- Lozenges and throat lozenges are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Step 6. Use a nasal spray containing a saline solution
Nasal congestion is one of the most irritating symptoms of the flu, but it can be treated with a nasal spray containing a saline solution to thin the mucus. This solution is safe for children and can be used as often as possible.
- You can buy nasal drops at pharmacies or supermarkets. Use according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging or doctor's advice.
- To treat nasal congestion in babies, put a few drops of the medicine into his nose, then suck the mucus from his nostrils one by one.
Step 7. Treat pain with over-the-counter medications
The flu can cause body aches and headaches. You can use over-the-counter medications (decongestants, nasal sprays, or antihistamines) for pain and discomfort from the flu. Make sure you use the drug according to the instructions for use or doctor's advice. Keep in mind that this step is only a temporary solution.
- Take medications that contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium to reduce pain.
- Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers because it can trigger Reye's syndrome.
- Take the time to consult a doctor before giving medicine to babies or children.
Step 8. Rest as much as possible
Flu symptoms can be overcome if you get enough rest. If possible, avoid going to work or school, especially if you have a fever or are taking medication that induces drowsiness. This step also prevents others from contracting the flu.
As much as possible, set aside time for naps and sleep at least 8 hours every day so that you heal faster
Step 9. Prepare a comfortable bedroom
When you have a cold, try to sleep in a comfortable, warm, and slightly damp room. Flu symptoms can be overcome by adjusting the temperature and humidity in the room, sleeping in a comfortable bed, and making sure there is air circulation in the room.
- The air temperature in the bedroom should be 21-24° C so that you are not cold and can sleep well.
- Use a device to increase the humidity of the air or moisture in the room to treat stuffy noses and coughs. Keep the humidifier clean so that it is free of mold and bacteria.
- Inhaling steam from a warm shower in a bathroom with the door closed can relieve a stuffy nose.
- Make sure there is air circulation in the bedroom by turning on the fan or opening the window if the air outside the room is not cold.
Step 10. Use alternative medicine
Many people rely on alternative medicines to prevent and treat colds, but some research has not been able to confirm the effectiveness of vitamin C, echinacea, and drugs containing the mineral zinc as cold remedies. Use alternative medicine if it works and makes you feel more comfortable.
- There is not enough evidence to conclude that taking vitamin C can relieve cold symptoms more quickly.
- Several studies have shown that taking echinacea to treat colds can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
- As with vitamin C and echinacea, studies show that the mineral zinc can relieve cold symptoms, such as nausea and a bitter taste in the mouth if taken within 24 hours of having the flu.
- Do not put drugs containing zinc into the nasal cavity because it can damage the olfactory nerve.
Step 11. Consult a doctor
Usually, the flu goes away on its own without a doctor's help, but in certain conditions, you should consult a doctor, for example because:
- Flu symptoms do not subside after 10 days.
- You have a sore throat and fever without flu symptoms. There is a possibility that you have strep throat due to the streptococcal bacteria that triggers the infection, so you have to take antibiotics.
- You have the following symptoms: high fever (above 38.5°C for adults), worsening flu symptoms, severe headache, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, or shortness of breath. The complaint is a symptom of disease or secondary infection, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, or ear infection.
- Infants younger than 3 months who have a cold or fever should be treated by a doctor.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing the Flu
Step 1. Know that the flu is incurable
However, flu can be prevented by implementing health protocols, such as washing hands, maintaining hygiene, and wearing masks to reduce the risk of catching the flu.
- Unlike the case with diseases caused by bacteria, there is no vaccine or medicine to treat the flu.
- Antibiotics cannot treat the flu because the flu is caused by a virus, while antibiotics are drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Step 2. Get in the habit of washing your hands thoroughly
One of the most effective ways to prevent flu is to wash your hands properly. This step can reduce the spread of bacteria and flu viruses from objects touched by other people.
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, then rinse under running water.
- Clean your hands with an antiseptic solution if soap and water are not available to wash your hands.
- Make sure you wash your hands after touching objects in public places, such as door handles on public transportation.
Step 3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue
Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, put your elbows close to your nose and mouth if you want to sneeze or cough so that your palms don't get splashed with saliva.
- Make sure you throw away the tissue immediately, then wash your hands.
- Covering your nose and mouth reduces the risk of transmitting the flu to others.
- Remind the other person to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Step 4. Avoid crowds
The flu is highly contagious, especially to children and spreads quickly in crowds. Reduce your risk of catching the flu by minimizing the time you spend with people.
- Do not have physical contact with or close to people who have the flu, such as borrowing or lending stationery and personal belongings.
- If you have the flu, stay home so you don't infect others.
Step 5. Clean items and rooms with disinfectant
Germs quickly spread in places that are shared with other people, such as the bathroom or dining table. Therefore, keep the area clean with disinfectant so that other people, such as family members, friends, or co-workers do not catch the flu.
- Prioritize maintaining the cleanliness of areas that are shared with people around you, such as the restroom, bathroom, dining room, and kitchen. Don't forget to clean the door handle with a disinfectant.
- You can use disinfectants that are sold in supermarkets with various brands.
