HOW TO

How to Treat the Flu at Home: Stopping the Spread, When to See a Doctor, and More

Jennifer

Cue the fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches—the flu season is here. If you’re feeling rundown and like you’ve been hit by a wave of “ick,” chances are you’re dealing with the flu. The flu is caused by influenza viruses and can hit hard and fast, unlike a common cold, often leaving you feeling miserable. For older adults and young children, the flu can be particularly dangerous, so it’s crucial to know how to treat it at home, when to seek medical help, and how to protect others from getting sick.

Common Flu Symptoms

Before we dive into how to treat the flu, it’s important to recognize the common symptoms. The flu usually comes on suddenly and can include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose

While many people recover from the flu within a week or two, it can be more severe for certain individuals, particularly the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Knowing what to do when the flu strikes can help you recover quickly and prevent the virus from spreading to others.

How to Treat the Flu at Home

Step 1: Start with Home Remedies for the Flu

First things first: If you’ve come down with the flu, staying home is essential to avoid spreading it. While the flu doesn’t have a cure, there are several remedies that can help you feel better and recover faster. Here are some tips:

  • Rest is key: Your body needs time to recover. Rest as much as you can to help your immune system fight off the virus.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and clear broths. This helps keep your body hydrated, reduces fever, and loosens mucus.
  • Use over-the-counter medications: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate fever, headaches, and body aches. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosages.
  • Gargle with saltwater: If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm saltwater can provide temporary relief.

What to Eat When You Have the Flu

Although you may not feel like eating much, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet to help your body recover. Stick with light and easy-to-digest foods like:

  • Chicken soup: It’s comforting, helps with hydration, and the steam can clear your sinuses.
  • Plain crackers or toast: These bland foods are easy on the stomach.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins and minerals, they can help boost your immune system.
  • Broth-based soups: These help keep you hydrated and are full of nutrients.

Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods that could upset your stomach.

Step 2: Plan to Stay Home for a Bit—Especially If You Have a Fever

If you have a fever, it’s especially important to stay at home to avoid passing the virus to others. Flu is highly contagious, and you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides to ensure you’re not spreading it further.

Step 3: Try to Prevent the Flu from Spreading to Other Household Members

The flu spreads quickly, so it’s essential to take precautions to protect others in your home:

  • Stay in a separate room: If possible, limit contact with others, especially those who are at higher risk of complications (like the elderly or young children).
  • Use tissues: Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues immediately.
  • Clean frequently: Use disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
  • Wash your hands: Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces.

Step 4: Get Helpful Advice from Your Doctor

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or need guidance on how to manage the flu at home, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can offer advice on over-the-counter medications, provide specific tips for your recovery, or suggest antiviral treatments if necessary. If you’re at high risk of complications, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.

Step 5: Get Flu Treatment at Home to Cure the Virus Fast

Although there’s no cure for the flu, certain antiviral medications can be prescribed by your doctor to shorten the duration of the illness. These are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. In addition, rest, hydration, and home remedies like herbal teas and soups can go a long way in speeding up your recovery.

Step 6: Know When to Seek Emergency Care for Serious Flu Symptoms

Most people recover from the flu with at-home care, but it’s important to watch for signs that the flu is becoming more serious. You should seek emergency medical attention if you or a loved one experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Flu-like symptoms that improved but then worsened
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Sudden dizziness or confusion (especially in older adults)
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or inability to eat or drink

For children, particularly those under the age of 3, watch for signs like:

  • A fever higher than 100.4°F in infants under 3 months
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, no tears, or infrequent urination
  • A fever accompanied by a rash
  • Skin or lips turning gray or blue
  • Excessive irritability or difficulty waking up

Stages of Flu Recovery: What to Expect

The flu generally follows a three-stage recovery process:

  1. The Beginning: Symptoms appear suddenly, and you may feel extremely tired, have a fever, and experience body aches.
  2. The Middle: Symptoms often worsen over the first 2-3 days, but then they start to improve gradually.
  3. The End: Your symptoms will fade, though you may still feel fatigued for a few days.

Treat the Flu Seriously to Recover Quickly

Although the flu can be uncomfortable, most people recover within a week or two with proper care. By staying home, resting, staying hydrated, and following medical advice, you can speed up your recovery and help protect those around you from getting sick. If you notice any severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention—especially if you or a loved one is at higher risk for complications.

In the end, treating the flu with care and caution is your best bet for a quick recovery. So, take it easy, follow these steps, and soon enough, you’ll be back on your feet!