Aches, fever, headaches… The flu is back and it is exhausting the body. Express advice to fight the virus quickly and solutions available in pharmacies to get back on track as quickly as possible!
Everyone fears the flu virus because it can destroy the body. “Many people suffer from flu syndromes: the flu is an infection caused by the Influenza virus while the other syndromes are caused by different viruses or even bacteria. This is why it is advisable to consult to optimize the diagnosis and treatment” explains Dr Judith Loeb Mansour, general practitioner. The symptoms of the flu can be intense: fever over 39 degrees, body aches, fatigue, cough, chills, stuffy nose, headaches, etc. “They generally last a week to 10 days with sometimes an influenza V at 7 days, that is to say an improvement followed by a worsening then a recovery.”
5 tips for treating the flu quickly
To heal faster, Dr. Loeb Mansour advises:
- To consult : “Sometimes serious infections are diagnosed when patients thought they had the flu.”
- Rest then the gradual resumption of an activity;
- Stay hydrated as much as possible by drinking water, tea or broths because fever tends to dehydrate;
- Eat fruits and vegetables for vitamin C, “It’s also certainly helpful not to be deficient in vitamin D in winter.” ;
- Take paracetamol against fever, headaches and aches;
“Some say to themselves relieved more quickly by taking homeopathy or aromatherapy under the advice of a specialist.” To be tested.
What can you buy at the pharmacy to get better from the flu faster?
In pharmacies, you can get:
- Of paracetamol for headaches, fever or body aches;
- Of cough syrup “but you can also drink a soft drink with a sweet taste” ;
- Of the sea water sprays or corticosteroid sprays to unclog the nose;
- From the vitamin D “which has shown its interest with Covid and which must be taken every winter by children, women and the elderly” ;
- An antiviral if prescribed by the doctor;
After consultation with a specialist, homeopathy : Influenzinum 9CH can be taken preventatively or curatively. Finally, there are natural remedies to combat flu symptoms like eucalyptus or Ravintsara essential oil which you can easily find in pharmacies. To use in diffusion to purify the air, in skin application for example under the soles of the feet (always diluted in vegetable oil)…
Which antiviral helps treat the flu faster?
“Antiviral treatments (oseltamivir) can be offered to fragile, immunocompromised people, to people at risk of serious influenza, to relatives of fragile people. In these cases, the treatment is effective only if it is started within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, explains Judith Loeb Mansour.
Focus on prevention to avoid the flu
While there is no 100% sure way to avoid contracting the flu virus, it is possible to limit the risks. For this, it is important:
► To be in good shape : “Eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits, not too much sugar, fat and alcohol, hydrate well, move, get enough sleep, improve your morale.”
► To take care of your health : “It is proven that diabetes and other pathologies increase the risk of having serious flu : therefore prevent and cure. In this sense the new prevention consultations are welcome.”
► To continue to adopt the barrier gestures put in place during Covid-19 such as regular hand washing, limiting contact with sick people and wearing a mask. “It is also important that people in contact with vulnerable loved ones make sure to wear a mask if they are unwell and take an antiviral if they have the flu.”
► To get vaccinated (especially) if you are at risk : Since the flu is a respiratory infection that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or the worsening of a chronic illness in vulnerable people, vaccination before each winter can avoid these risks.
Thanks to Dr Judith Loeb Mansour, general practitioner and author of: “Adventures and misadventures of a country doctor”.