Influenza is a pain in the head especially in the winter months. We take care of ourselves on cold days just to avoid the flu, even before the winter months. But we still can not stop without getting caught. Especially people with a weak body are caught 5 to 10 times a year to catch colds and flu. As a result of the research done in this subject, we can say that there are 5 important treatment methods. As a result of our investigations, it is seen that the effects are high and yield close to 100%. Let's look at these roads now.
1. Nasal sprays
If you’re congested, you want target the source of your woes (i.e., your nose). Intranasal steroid sprays can reduce inflammation in your nasal passages, moisten mucus membranes to limit irritation, and help flush out secretions to ease congestion.Kathleen Dass, M.D., an allergist and immunologist, recommends treating your symptoms with one of these sprays, saying they may even work better for symptom management than antibiotic use, if your cold or flu turns into a sinus infection too (you'll still want to snag those antibiotics though, to knock out the underlying infection). Several popular sprays—Flonase, Nasonex, and Rhinocort—are available over the counter.
2. Rest
Your mother always told you to get plenty of rest when you’re sick, right? It turns out there’s some science behind that; Dass notes that research has shown deep, restful sleep plays a factor in increasing your body’s antibodies, especially after vaccination.But that’s not the only reason to catch some extra zzz’s during cold and flu season: A small 2017 study published in the journal Sleep suggests that chronic sleep deprivation could have a detrimental effect on the immune system, increasing a person’s risk of coming down with viruses.
3. Saline irrigation
Saline irrigation (like, using a neti pot or an OTC saline spray) isn't necessarily as helpful as steroid nasal sprays, though it can make you feel better in the short-term: “They have limited evidence supporting them, [but] the rinses can provide symptomatic relief by allowing you to clear your mucus,” says Dass.Since the only ingredient is water (salt or distilled, sterile water), these rinses may be a good choice for people avoiding medication, though Dass advises cold and flu sufferers not to use a saline rinse if you have pressure in your ears—it may make it worse.
Another thing worth nothing: Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water in that neti pot to avoid contamination, per the FDA. You can also use both steroid nasal sprays and saline irrigation methods together—just make sure to use the saline irrigator first to clear out sinuses, followed by the steroid spray, to increase its effect, says Dass.
4. Hydration
Your mother probably also told you to drink lots of fluid when you’re sick, and she wasn’t wrong about that either. “Cytokines, [a group of proteins] which help us fight infections, can also cause headaches, fevers, and aches,” says Dass. “Staying hydrated can help boost your cytokine immune response [and reduce those symptoms].”Dass recommends getting hydration from a variety of sources, not just water—so broths, electrolyte drinks, and fruit juices count, too—but avoid drinks that contain a lot of sugar, as well as caffeine and alcohol, as they may make you feel worse.
5. Decongestants
Nasal decongestants (like Afrin) and oral decongestants (like Sudafed) work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which reduces blood flow and shrinks the nasal tissues.Basically, they make breathing through your nose way easier—but there are a few caveats: You can’t use a nasal decongestant for more than three days without risking dependency and worsening congestion after stopping; oral decongestants, on the other hand, aren't necessarily linked to dependency, but aren't as effective and come with a few potential side effects, says Dass.
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19954914/flu-treatment/
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