Common Flu Symptoms and Treatments

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. The symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches. It usually lasts for three to four days but can last up to 10 days. There are many treatments for the flu including medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; rest; fluids; chicken soup (which has ingredients like ginger which reduces inflammation); and staying home from work or school until you’re feeling better!

The first thing you should do if you think you have the flu is call your local doctors. He or she will be able to tell you what to do and may prescribe medication. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing condition, or are taking prescription medications, it’s important to see your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.

There are also many other things you can do to help relieve symptoms and speed up your recovery including: using a humidifier; gargling with salt water; drinking lots of fluids; sucking on ice chips or hard candy; eating light foods such as broth, toast, rice, applesauce, and bananas; and getting plenty of rest.

It’s also to keep in mind that the flu can lead to other more serious illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and even heart failure. So if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in addition to the flu symptoms listed above, see your doctor right away: shortness of breath; chest pain; rapid pulse; excessive sweating; and confusion.

The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting a flu shot every year! You can get a flu shot from your doctor or at many pharmacies. And remember, it’s not too late to get one this year!