The flu is one of the most common conditions that nearly everyone experiences at some point. Generally, your body’s immune system is fully capable of defending against flu viruses and the symptoms typically pass in a week or so.
However, because flu symptoms can be very unpleasant, there are flu remedies that people can take to help ease symptoms and boost immune system function to speed up the recovery process.
The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Affecting the nose, throat and lungs, the flu is entirely different from the stomach flu, which is a gastrointestinal infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea.1
Influenza is very common and almost everyone experiences it at some point, with many people developing it annually. In most cases, the flu is not a serious condition and it will resolve itself within a week to 10 days. However, for some people who develop the flu, the condition can be severe. In older adults, young children or those with weakened immune systems, the flu can cause serious complications.1,2
The flu is easily passed between people, which is why those who live in care facilities or those who work in environments with lots of people are more likely to develop the flu. People may not even know they are contagious and unknowingly transfer their virus from their nose or mouth to shared surfaces.1
Flu viruses become airborne when droplets gets released from someone infected with the flu. This can happen through coughing, sneezing or talking. Anyone nearby can inhale the droplets or can become infected by the germs if they land on a nearby surface. Flu viruses are commonly transferred by shared objects like telephones, computers or books. This is why the flu is considered highly contagious.1
People who have been affected with the flu virus are contagious typically from the day before their symptoms start until 5 days following initial symptoms. However, some people may continue to be contagious up to 10 days or longer after their symptoms appear.1
Flu viruses evolve constantly, with new strains forming regularly. This is why it’s possible to continue getting the flu each year even if you’re healthy. Your body may have developed antibodies to fight previous flu viruses, but won’t have the antibodies to fight off new strains.1
Despite there being different strains of flu viruses, they all cause a similar set of symptoms such as:1,2
- Sore throat
- High fever
- Night sweats and chills
- Aching, sore muscles
- Weakness and fatigue
Best Natural Remedies for Flu
If you’ve developed the flu, try these natural remedies for boosting immune system and easing flu symptoms:
Garlic - Garlic is a natural antiviral remedy with immune-boosting properties that can help you recover from the flu faster.
Honey and Cinnamon - The combination of honey and cinnamon can help ease flu symptoms, especially a sore throat.
Ginger - Ginger has natural antiviral health benefits that can kill the flu virus before it takes hold and prevent flu symptoms.
Echinacea - Echinacea extract is an immune-boosting herb that can help the body fight flu infections and ease cold and flu symptoms.
Umckaloabo - Umckaloabo is an herbal root extract traditionally used to treat upper respiratory infections like the flu.