Although in the world of science and medicine the discussion of whether a virus is a living organism or not is still a matter of controversy, what is without a doubt is that viral infections can cause various types of illness, chronic conditions, cancer, long-term illness, suffering, and even death.. There are many types of viruses that can live inside human cells and cause long-term and chronic consequences. Most viruses are difficult to treat because they are protected by their host cells.,,, Viral infections can be acute (short-term, with varying severity), chronic (long-term, with varying severity), or latent for a certain period of time, then replication will be triggered. Viral illnesses can make sufferers feel very uncomfortable and even make sufferers spend days without being able to work productively, but most viral infections can be treated at home. Using herbal remedies, providing adequate nutrition for the body, then getting enough rest are ways to fight viral infections.
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Method 1 of 6: Relieve Fever Without Medication
Step 1. Let the fever do its job
Although most people don't like it, fever is one of the body's defenses against infection. Let the body have the fever as long as possible without feeling uncomfortable.
- Fever is usually also a symptom of infection, but it can also be caused by inflammatory diseases, thyroid disease, cancer, vaccines, and some other medications. Body temperature is regulated by a small gland in the middle of the brain, the hypothalamus. The thyroid gland also plays a role in regulating body temperature. The human body temperature can change in one day, but the normal human body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius.
- When infected, the cause of infection (bacteria, virus) produces substances that increase the temperature, namely pyrogens. There are also pyrogens that are released by the immune system. Pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to increase body temperature. That way, the immune system can be stimulated to fight infection more easily. A higher body temperature is believed to kill substances that cause infection.
- For adults, fevers are generally harmless, and should be allowed to "get the job done." If the fever reaches 39.4 degrees Celsius or more for 12 to 24 hours, you are advised to see a doctor.
Step 2. Watch out for higher fevers
Even if you allow the fever to do its job, there is a temperature limit to the fever that shouldn't go unnoticed:
- For babies under four months with a forehead temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more, it would be best if you seek medical advice from a doctor.
- For children of any age, if the forehead temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or more, contact a doctor as soon as possible for advice.
- Children aged six months and over with a temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius when measured on the forehead, ear or armpit should also be taken to the doctor.
Step 3. Get medical help as soon as possible if fever is accompanied by severe symptoms
You are advised to contact a doctor (or emergency assistance) as soon as possible if your child has a fever with any of the following symptoms:
- Looks unhealthy or has no appetite.
- Very fussy
- Sleepy
- Shows obvious signs of infection (pus, discharges an unnatural substance, has a long rash)
- Having a seizure
- Have a sore throat, rash, headache, stiff neck, and earache
- In very young babies, the soft part of the top of the baby's skull protrudes.
Step 4. Take a bath with lukewarm water
Start by taking a bath using lukewarm water. Let the fever sufferer soak himself and relax while the water temperature decreases slowly. As the water temperature decreases, the human body temperature will also decrease slowly. Do not let the water used is too cold so that the body temperature does not decrease too quickly.
Step 5. Put on wet socks
This method is a naturopathic approach. According to the theory, cold feet can improve blood circulation and also the immune system response. As a result, the body releases heat, so the socks will dry out and the body will also cool down. This method can also relieve chest tightness. Wool socks work as an insulator. This method will be effective if left to work overnight.
- Wear socks that are long enough to cover your ankles. Socks used must be made of pure cotton, because cotton can absorb a lot of water.
- Wet the socks thoroughly under a stream of cold water.
- Squeeze excess water from the socks, then put on the socks.
- Cover cotton socks with wool socks. The wool socks used must be made of pure wool for the insulation to run smoothly.
- The person wearing the socks should be covered with a blanket and rest in bed for the night. Most children will be very happy to do this because they will feel cooler in a few minutes.
Step 6. Cool your head, neck, ankles, and wrists
Prepare a hand towel or two, then fold it on the longer side. Wet a towel in very cold or ice water, if desired. Squeeze excess water from the towel, then wrap the towel around your head, neck, ankles, or wrists.
- Do not use towels in more than two places. Therefore, wear a towel around your head and ankles OR around your neck and wrists. Otherwise, you can cool the body TOO much. Cool or cold towels can remove heat from the body and lower body temperature.
- Repeat this step when the towel is dry or if the towel is not cold enough to relieve the heat. This method can be repeated over and over again if needed.
Method 2 of 6: Giving Enough Energy to the Body
Step 1. Rest as long as possible
While it's not easy to keep doing it all the time, resting and calming yourself down is an important part of fighting a viral infection. The immune system is trying to do the necessary things. Your immune system won't be able to do this if your energy is used to work, go to school, or take care of other people. Therefore, rest at home, do not let the children go to school when sick, and stay active as little and as little as possible.
Step 2. Fill the body with energy by eating foods that are classified as light
You've probably heard the term "eat a lot when you have a cold, but make yourself hungry when you have a fever," and that was recently approved by Scientific American -- however, you shouldn't starve yourself completely with a fever -- you just need to keeps the body from spending energy digesting food, which would otherwise be used to control infection.
Try it by consuming chicken broth or soup with a little rice and vegetables.,
Step 3. Focus on eating foods rich in vitamin C
Eat lots of fresh fruits like berries, watermelon, oranges, and cantaloupe. These fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, which can help fight infections and reduce fever.
Step 4. Eat yogurt
Try yogurt that is plain or flavored and contains "active bacteria." These gut bacteria have been shown to be an important part of producing an effective immune system.
Step 5. Add protein to your diet
Make sure that you add an easy-to-digest protein source, such as scrambled eggs or chicken. For example, you can add a few pieces of meat to the chicken stock.
Step 6. Avoid heavy and fried foods
Avoid foods that are classified as heavy, fatty, or oily, such as foods cooked with barbecue spices, or fried foods. Avoid spicy foods like chicken wings, pepperoni, or sausage. All these types of foods weigh on the performance of the body's system when you are sick.
Step 7. Try the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet is usually recommended, especially in dealing with stomach viruses. The BRAT diet consists of several foods that are soft and easy to digest, namely:
- Banana (Banana)
- Rice (Rice)
- Apple puree (Aplesauce)
- Whole wheat bread (Toats).
Step 8. Try to eat foods rich in zinc
Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of the flu. Some foods that are classified as rich in zinc are seafood (oysters, crab, lobster), beef, chicken (black meat), yogurt, whole grains, and nuts (cashews, almonds).
Method 3 of 6: Sufficient Body Water Needs
Step 1. Drink plenty of water
Fever can lead to dehydration, and make sure that you avoid it. Dehydration will only make your condition worse. Children (and you) can eat popsicles to avoid dehydration, but make sure that the sufferer doesn't eat too much sugar. Try making popsicles from herbal teas such as chamomile or elderberry. Italian ice, frozen yogurt, or frozen sherbet might also be good choices. Don't forget the water!
Step 2. Try an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte or CeraLyte
You might consider using oral rehydration solutions for children, such as CeraLyte and Pedialyte. Call your doctor before you give it, then ask the doctor for advice.
- Prepare a list of symptoms and a list of the amount of food and drink that has been consumed by the child, and also record the temperature of the fever he is suffering from.
- Monitor how often you have to change your child's diaper, or for older children, how often you have to take him or her to pee.
Step 3. Continue to breastfeed your baby
If your baby has a viral infection, it is best if you continue to breastfeed him as much as possible. That way, the baby will get food, drink, and also feel comfortable.
Step 4. Monitor for signs of dehydration
Call your doctor for advice even if the signs of dehydration are mild, especially for children. Mild dehydration can progress to a more serious level in a short time. Some of the symptoms of mild dehydration, for example:
- Dry and sticky lips. In babies, watch for signs of dry lips or tough skin around the lips/eyes. Notice if the baby is smacking his lips.
- Feeling more sleepy, cranky, or tired than usual.
- Thirst: This is difficult to pinpoint in infants, but "licking lips" or biting the lips when fed milk may be a sign of thirst in babies.
- Decreased amount of urine: Check baby's diaper. A baby's diaper should be changed at least every three hours. If the diaper remains dry after 3 hours, it may be a sign of dehydration. Keep giving the baby fluids, and check up an hour later. If the diaper is still dry, call your doctor.
- Check urine color. The darker the color of the urine, the higher the level of dehydration of your baby or child.
- Constipation: Check the defecation system as well, especially when you're checking for urine in a baby's diaper.
- There are few or no tears when you cry.
- Dry skin: Gently pinch the back of the baby's hand, making sure that you only pinch loose skin. Babies whose fluid needs are met have skin that will immediately return to its initial position.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Method 4 of 6: Taking Supplements
Step 1. Boost your immune system by taking high doses of vitamin C
According to the maker of orthomolecular medicine, vitamin C is important in stimulating the immune system. In one study conducted on adults who had the flu without symptoms. The person is given vitamin C as much as 1000 mg every hour continuously until it reaches 6 doses. Then, he was given vitamin C in a dose of 1000 mg again three times a day as long as symptoms persist. According to the results, it was reported that flu and cold symptoms were reduced by as much as 85% when compared to placebo.
Take 1000 mg of vitamin C every hour for six hours. Then, take 1000 mg of vitamin C three times a day until the symptoms are no longer felt
Step 2. Increase your intake of vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is important and serves to stimulate the immune system. If you don't take vitamin D3 supplements on a regular basis, there's a good chance that you're deficient in vitamin D. To measure your vitamin D levels, you can check your blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. When the flu hits, you won't have time to do it.
- For adults: Take 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 on the first day you feel unwell. Take the same dose of vitamin D3 for the next three days. Reduce the dose of vitamin D3 slowly over the next few days to reach a dose of 5,000 IU per day.
- For school children, studies show that 1,200 IU of vitamin D3 can reduce the chance of catching influenza by 67% when compared to other groups who do not take vitamin D3 supplements.
Step 3. Try coconut oil
Coconut oil has medium chain fatty acids that can act as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic without side effects. The main ingredient of coconut oil is lauric acid, a saturated medium chain fatty acid. Coconut oil can enter the outer membrane of the virus and cause breakdown and death of the influenza virus without harming humans who act as the virus host.
Try to consume one to two tablespoons of coconut oil three times a day. Try to mix it into orange juice or food. Usually after one to two days, the virus will disappear. Symptoms usually go away within a day, then recovery from the flu usually takes five to seven days
Method 5 of 6: Trying Herbs
Step 1. Try to drink herbal teas
Plants can also be attacked by viruses, which makes the plant's evolutionary instinct to develop antiviral substances. You can buy herbs packaged in tea bags. If you have herbs, add a teaspoon of dried herbs to one cup of water. Use half a teaspoon for children. Soak the herbs in boiling water for five minutes, then add flavor using lemon and honey. Make sure that you let the tea cool. Don't add milk--cow products tend to increase compression.
- Do not give herbal teas to babies unless your doctor has advised you to do so.
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Try herbal teas made from the following ingredients:
- Chamomile: Chamomile is safe for children and contains antiviral properties..,
- Oregano: Oregano is also safe for children (but make a diluted tea) and has antiviral properties.,
- Thyme: Thyme is also safe for children (in the form of diluted tea) and has antiviral properties.,
- Olive leaf: Safe for children (in the form of diluted tea) and has antiviral properties.
- Elderberry: Safe for children (in the form of tea or juice) and has antiviral properties.,
- Licorice leaves: Licorice leaves are safe for children (in the form of tea) and have antiviral properties.,
- Echinacea: Safe for children (in the form of diluted tea) and has antiviral properties.
Step 2. Use a neti pot
A neti pot can be used to clear a congested nose. The neti pot is shaped like a kettle. You can use it to pour water into your nose and clean the nasal cavity.
- Choose essential oils. Herbs that can be used to make tea are also great for making essential oils. Some herbs that can be used, for example: chamomile, elderberry, licorice root, Echinacea, olive root, thyme, and oregano. Mix the essential oil in equal number of drops. The maximum number of drops that may be used is nine to ten drops.
- In a separate bowl, add one and a half cups (360 ml) of very warm distilled water. Do not use water that is too hot as it can cause the delicate tissues of the nasal cavity to scald.
- Add six tablespoons of refined, unprocessed sea salt. Stir to dissolve the salt. Salt is added to ensure that the tissues of the nasal cavity are protected.
- Add the essential oil, then stir until evenly distributed.
- Put the resulting liquid into the neti pot.
- Bend over toward the sink, then tilt your head to one side. Slowly, pour the solution into the nasal cavity to clear it.
Step 3. Use a diffuser
This can be very useful, especially if more than one person in your family has a sinus infection or a respiratory infection. Choose oils between chamomile, elderberry, licorice root, Echinacea, olive root, thyme, and oregano. Or, you can also make your own unique mix.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using the diffuser. Most diffusers require 120 ml of water, added with three to five drops of essential oil.
- Patients with sinus infections should sit as close to the diffuser as possible.
Step 4. Use the traditional evaporation technique
In this way, you only need water and the essential oil of your choice or the oil mixture you want to use. You have to boil the water to produce steam, which you will then inhale through your nose.
- Pour in the water (distilled water is best, but tap water is also fine) until the bottom of the pan is filled with 5 cm of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat, and add eight to ten drops of essential oil. Stir the water.
- You can leave the pan on the stove or move it. Whatever your choice, do it with care.
- Cover your head with a towel, then inhale the steam through your nose. You can also inhale the vapors by mouth, especially if you have a sore throat or throat infection.
- Do this while steaming is still happening. Repeat if needed by reheating the water. The same solution can be used many times until the water runs out.
Step 5. Inhale the steam from the herbal bath
Use the traditional method, which is to inhale the steam from water that has been soaked with herbs.
- Pour in the water (distilled water is best, but tap water is also fine) until the bottom of the pan is filled with 5 cm of water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and add two teaspoons of oregano and two teaspoons of basil. If you want, you can also add a little cayenne pepper. Be careful when using it!
- Cover your head with a towel, then inhale the steam through your nose. You can also inhale the vapors by mouth, especially if you have a sore throat or throat infection.
- Do this while steaming is still happening. Repeat if needed by reheating the water. The same solution can be used many times until the water runs out.
Method 6 of 6: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. See a doctor if you have problems with your immune system
In common viruses and in most healthy adults, viral infections can be cured without additional treatment. However, if a person's immune system is problematic, doctor's help should be obtained immediately when symptoms of infection appear. Immune problems can occur in young people, the elderly, people living with HIV/AIDS, people receiving organ transplants, as well as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Pay attention to some of the following common symptoms of viral infection:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Rash on the skin
- Fatigue
- Stuffed nose
Step 2. Call your doctor as soon as possible if general symptoms become more severe
If the symptoms of a common viral infection become more severe, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor cannot be reached, call emergency services.
Step 3. Get medical attention as soon as possible if you experience some of the more severe symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should go straight to the emergency room.
- Changes in the level of self-awareness.
- Chest pain
- Cough that originates in the chest and produces yellow, green, or brown liquid or wet phlegm.
- Feeling lethargic and insensitive to sensory stimuli (sound, light, touch)
- Seizures in any form
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing of any kind
- Stiffness or pain in the neck, or a severe headache
- Yellowing of the skin or sclera (white part of the eye)
Step 4. Get the vaccine
The treatment needed depends on the type of virus that attacks your body. There are hundreds of types of viruses that are known to infect humans. Most types of viruses can be prevented by vaccines, such as influenza, chickenpox, shingles, and others.
Ask your doctor about vaccinations against certain viruses
Step 5. See a doctor if home remedies don't relieve your illness
If you experience symptoms that may be caused by a viral infection for more than 48 hours and do not subside after doing the various methods listed above, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Many viral infections, such as the common cold (rhinovirus), flu (influenza virus), measles (rubella), or mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV), require primary supportive care. Some other viruses that cause serious and life-threatening illness are cancer and Ebola. Some viruses are stubborn and cause long-term disorders, such as hepatitis, HSV< and varicella-zoster (cause chickenpox and shingles), and HIV.
Step 6. Ask about antiviral drugs
Until recently, there were no effective antiviral drugs. Everything has started to change, with the introduction of several types of antiviral drugs. Antiviral therapy is important for many types of infections, such as herpes virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immune system attacking virus (HIV) infections.
