As the seasons shift from rainy to dry season or the other way around, many people come down with the flu or a cold. Although they are often seen as the same, flu and colds are actually two different illnesses. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, while a cold refers to the common cold, which is generally caused by rhinovirus. Usually, both flu and colds can be eased with medication, but can they also be managed with natural remedies?

Natural Remedies for Flu and the Common Cold

Flu or influenza is caused by the influenza virus. Common flu symptoms include fever, headache, nasal congestion, dry cough, fatigue, and muscle aches. A cold, meanwhile, is usually marked by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and general malaise. Both flu and colds can leave you feeling weak and low on energy. To help relieve these symptoms, you can try the following natural approaches, as reported by Healthline:

1. Stay Hydrated

When you have the flu, staying well hydrated is essential. Adequate fluids intake can help to keep your nose, mouth, and throat moist. Drinking enough water can also help to loosen mucus and phlegm buildup that causes nasal and throat discomfort.

Besides drinking water, you can fulfil your fluid intake by drinking coconut water, fresh fruit juice, broth, and herbal tea. You can also eat fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, to help maintain hydration.

2. Warm Foods and Drinks

Consuming warm foods and drinks helps in easing your breaths and reduce flu and cold symptoms. Recommended choices of warm foods and drinks include warm broth soup, chicken soup, herbal tea, and ginger and honey tea. However, do not give honey to children under 1 year old, because it can cause digestive problems.

3. Steam Therapy

Steam therapy is an effective home remedy to relieve flu and cold symptoms. To perform steam therapy, heat water to a boil, then let it cool slightly. When the water is perfectly warm, pour it into a large bowl or pot. You can add eucalyptus oil or an inhaler solution to the water and inhale the steam until the warm steam subsides. To prevent the steam from dissipating quickly, you can cover your head with a towel while inhaling the steam from the container.

4. Gargle With Salt Water

If you have flu and cold symptoms such as a cough and sore throat, try gargling with salt water. The method is simple, you can dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then gargle the water for a few minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day until your throat feels more comfortable.

5. Drink Probiotic Beverages

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts in the body that help support a healthy immune system. Research suggests that regular probiotic intake may reduce the risk of illness and upper respiratory infections. You can consume yogurt as a daily probiotic source. Yogurt also provides calcium and protein, which are helpful for boosting your immune system.

Some of the home remedies above can help relieve flu and cold symptoms. However, if your symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor promptly. Doctors will generally prescribe medications such as decongestants and antihistamines to help relieve nasal congestion and sneezing.

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