Verified on 04/01/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
Most healthy people recover from the flu, without treatment, within 1 to 2 weeks. However, a cough and fatigue may persist for several weeks in some cases.
Here are some tips to ease flu symptoms and speed recovery.
Take a zinc cure
A supplement of zinc orally helps reduce the duration of infection, provided that the first dose is taken within 24 hours of the appearance of the first symptoms.
Zinc increases the functioning of certain white blood cells (B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes) which help fight the flu virus.
Take elderberry
The elderberry has been used for hundreds of years to treat flu and colds.
A randomized study showed that people suffering from the flu and who had taken elderberry-based food supplements 4 times a day saw their symptoms (fever, headache, stuffy nose, cough) improve after of 48 hours.
Elderflower is known for its antibacterial, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Eat honey
Honey is an effective natural remedy for relieving sore throats and coughs.
Add a little honey to your tea or herbal tea and it will help you stay hydrated while fighting flu symptoms.
Researchers have revealed that a spoonful of honey was more effective in stopping nighttime coughs in children than traditional cough medicines (e.g. syrup).
The vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Just because you’ve already had the flu doesn’t mean you’re immune for life.
Every year, the virus evolves. The strain that infected you this year may be different from the one that will affect you next winter. This is why the composition of the vaccine is reviewed every year.
The flu vaccine contains the 4 strains of viruses that can be responsible for seasonal epidemics.
By getting vaccinated, you expose your body to these viruses and activate your immune system without making it sick. In the next infection, the latter will be ready to fight the infection more effectively than if he had not received the vaccine.
Taking antiviral medications
Antiviral treatments are medications that prevent the virus from multiplying in the body. They can limit infection, provided they are taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.
In France, the antiviral treatment for the flu is Tamiflu. It is reserved for severe forms of influenza and patients at risk of complications.
Journalist
April 1, 2024, at 7:10 a.m.
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