I have seem to have come down with the flu and I was wondering if anyone knew of any fast ways of helping my body get over it?
Lots of fluids, if you are vomiting or having the shits, get some Pedialyte so you don't dehydrate. It is much better for illness dehydration than Gatorade, which is made for exhurtion, not illness. Tylenol or Motrin. No aspirin, if you are under 18. LOTS of rest. It is the best way to heal. And stay home, so you don't give it to other people. Try some of that zinc suspension you place into your nose. I use it on a Q tip, put a drop in each nostril, DON'T sniff it, just let it absorb. It will help your immune system. If you see your doctor in the first 72 hours, there are antivirals to help shorten the flu (real flu, NOT "stomach flu" which is really NOT the Influenza.) I think some of them are called Tamiflu and others. Your doctor can also prescribe them over the phone, if you have REAL Influenza symptoms, not just a cold. MORE rest Eat if you feel like it, don't if you don't. Just some chicken soup (or Miso, if you are a veggie) is really helpful
When I had the flu once, I found that elderberry extract helped a lot. The only problem is, as soon as I stopped taking it, all the symptoms would come back in full force again... So I don't know if it helps and I just didn't take it for a long enough time, or if it only suspends it temporarily.
The same thing happens with me when I have a cold and take echinacea and/or goldenseal too. (I take Echinacea/Goldenseal for colds and Elderberry extract for flu, but only if i need to temporarily suspend the symptoms since I know I'll probably just get hit with it full force once I stop them)
The key is to catch it right at the beginning. That's when those vitamin supplements really help, especially vitamin C. Once the infection gains strength, it will generally have to run it's course, but if you catch it before it gets a good toehold, your body can quickly repel it. Sort of like how once an army gains the beachhead, they're hard to repel, but prevent them from landing, and you have an easier fight. So, at the first symptoms, start taking vitamin C supplements, AND eat a bunch of fruit like oranges, tangerines, and tomatoes, which have vit C too (I prefer the living form, rather than the supplement form, but take both so you know you get enough). Rest is also vital, when you start feeling sick, if you can, go lay down, nap, go to bed early. Don't eat much if at all, so your energy won't be tied up in digestion but can go to fighting the infection. (don't starve yourself, but don't force it if your appetite is gone. It's gone for a reason).
Thanks all for the information. I'm having a hard time getting my fever to break....any ideas on that? I've tried IBprofen, taking a hot shower and nyquill. The nyquill helped for a littlebit but it seems once it wears off the fever is back. I've been running a temp for over 3 days....
Tamiflu or Relenza are EXCELLENT for the flu, if it is indeed the flu virus. IF they are too expensive, Flumadine and amantadine are available in generic, but they are only effective against influenza-A. Best bet is to see your doctor, and stay home. . .
I keep coming in late here, but here's my advise anyways: let the fever do it's thing. It's an immune response, heating up your body to weaken/kill the invading germs. Stay hydrated and you'll be ok. Just don't let it get too high, (102 or more is getting dangerous).
