Warning About Health Questions
|
Mahalo Answers is a great place to start your research into Health questions, but it's not the final answer. Mahalo Answers is not a substitute for informed professional advice. If you desire or require professional advice, please consult a qualified provider who is licensed in your state or country. You should always seek independent professional advice before acting on any opinion, advice, or information available on Mahalo Answers. |
Answered Question
M$10.15
October 28, 2009 05:39 PM
After feeling early symptoms of the Flu, what steps do you take to remain healthy before it gets worse?
It's certainly flu season, and if you have a TV or Radio you know everybody is a little extra concerned this year due to the H1N1 going around.
What I'm asking is... What steps have been successful for you in the past in fighting off the flu after you started to feel early symptoms?
What I'm asking is... What steps have been successful for you in the past in fighting off the flu after you started to feel early symptoms?
RSS
Best Answer Chosen by Asker
| October 28, 2009 07:58 PM |
I don't like to take medicine - period. Because of this, I tend to use my attitude and some very old-fashioned methods to avoid a full-blown illness if I find myself feeling "icky".
- avoid dehydration - Yes, there are commercial products filled with electrolytes that help once you've become dehydrated. The BEST liquid and the one your body craves the most is water. All liquids do count toward our body's liquid needs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
- rest - Even if my body doesn't want "sleep", I find that cuddling up with a book or lying in bed reading is still resting.
- chicken soup - I started feeling "down" a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't hungry but knew I had to eat. I was preparing to head to the store to get some soup when my boyfriend said "Don't we still have chicken stock in the freezer?" I diced then sauteed onions & celery, added our homemade chicken stock and pre-cooked chicken, par-cooked some rice in a separate pan before adding it to the boiling stock then let it simmer for about 30 minutes. I felt 100 times better when it was time to go to work 5 hours later.
The Mayo Clinic reports that not only does chicken soup act as an anti-inflammatory, it also speeds up the movement of mucus limiting the amount of contact time with viral cells in the nose.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-remedies/ID00036
- attitude - I just refuse to get "sick". I may not "feel well" all the time but I take control of my body and fight whatever is attacking it without the use of chemicals.
Oh...my chicken stock recipe?
http://cooking-basics.suite101.com/article.cfm/simple_homemade_chicken_stock
Source(s):
personal experience
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
| Asker's Rating: |
• I like these suggestions! Thanks, they helped, I didn't get sick!
Tags: remedies, illness, flu, cures
Helpful Answer?
(1)
(0)
Helpful: jeffhoard
Tip debbiehenthorn for this answer
Reply
Other Answers (25)
October 28, 2009 05:59 PM
I definitely try to get a lot of rest, since your body recovers during sleep. I also tend to get sicker when stressed, so I try to make sure I relax as much as possible. Personally, I also drink kombucha. Kombucha hasn't been studied well enough to substantiate a lot of the claims surrounding it, but it is a tea that people have used for many generations to alleviate health problems. I feel like, if nothing else, it is very hydrating, and it seems to boost my energy. It comes as a juice drink as well, and that's usually what I buy. Many people run to their doctor for Tamiflu ASAP, but I tend to ride flus out with rest, fluids, and healthy food.
If you're a smoker, definitely lay of the cigarettes as well, since influenza is a lung infection.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 06:10 PM
Hey @jeff One of the best steps to take at the beginning once you believe you have caught the flu is drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade. They contain high amounts of electrolytes which help prevent dehydration. Liquids help thin the mucus in your body and help soothe a sore throat. Gatorade and Powerade help give more energy to the body, and often a problem in flu's is that you feel consistently tired and suffer from muscle pain.
Take the day of work and rest in bed. Over-working yourself and being in an environment that could make the flu worse is the last thing you need.
Take cough lozenges or cough medications to help your cough. Take medications with dextromethorphan and avoid alcohol.
You may want to see a doctor for additional advice and/or to be prescribed with Tamiflu. If you are very concerned and feel that you are suffering from symptoms of the flu.
Source(s):
http://www.ehow.com/how_4933544_treat-swine-flu-symptoms.html
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 06:50 PM
We all know when we are on the verge of getting sick. Here are some things you should definitely do: 1. Get your 8 hours of sleep
2. Don't drink alcohol
3. Drink clear fluids preferably gatorade or powerade, but water works fine
4. Pump yourself full of vitamin C. Helps boost the immune system.
5. I've found that the product Airborne works really well. It is for preventing sickness in your situation.
6. Try not to smoke if you do.
7. If all else fails go to the doctor, try not to over self medicate.
Good luck
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 07:01 PM
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people "except" to get medical care. If you are:
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
People 65 and older
Pregnant women
People who have:
Cancer
Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
Chronic lung disease asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)
Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS)
Don't waste time and get medical care!
Source(s):
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 07:18 PM
If I got the infection, my first step would be consulting a Doctor immediately and follow his instruction. I would take antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, as per doctor's advice, as these drugs are more effective during early stages of infection.
Source(s):
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1?page=4#treated
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 07:54 PM
Zinc and zicam have been proven to be successful in boosting the immune system and are generally helpful in fighting off flue symptoms. Personally, I rely on getting a good night's sleep and boosting my immune system with lots of Vitamin C, preferably with Mexican food or other spicey foods as hot peppers have lots more Vitamin C than orange juice. I also have a good friend who swears that when she feels a cold coming on she drinks a cup of warm red wine and takes two aspirin. I don't understand the science of it all, but the idea is that the tannins in the wine help you sleep and boosts your immune system.
Permalink | Report
Reply
mamakin
October 28, 2009 10:01 PM
- Fact Refuted
Zicam is for colds and works great, but is entirely ineffective towards the flu.
Tip mamakin for this comment
Report
October 28, 2009 08:01 PM
I swear by Emergen-C. I warn that some of them taste and smell...horrrrible, luckily it's just a bit of powder and you cna mix it in a shot sized glass of water. Then I usually make my grandma's hamburger soup from when I was little. It's a comfort thing. (really simple ground meat, water, stewed tomatoes, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, a can of sweet corn and a bay leaf basically)
Then I try to take it easy. Do things like sit around on my butt answering Mahalo questions :D
Get my 8 hours sleep if my son will let me, and be sure to drink plenty of water. I usually alternate with some good orange juice (pulp free).
I rarely get sick.
(the on in the picture is one of the worst tasting btw)
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 28, 2009 10:07 PM
What works with me if i feel i'm starting to notice flu-like symptoms rather than cold-like symptoms is to drink plenty of water and take oscillococcinum. I take tylenol if i feel achey or fever that is uncomfortable. I don't like to take tylenol to lower a slight fever, for the fever is one of the body's defenses for shedding the virus. I tend to crave spicy foods when i'm coming down with illnesses. In this region of the southwest, usa many people believe that eating chiles, and limes and salt (and maybe a little tequila in there too) aid the body in purging the virus. I do think there's something to that. but i find that oscillo is an indispensable flu remedy.
Source(s):
experience and http://www.oscillo.com/about-oscillo/default.html
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 01:17 AM
I drink lots and lots of water, orange juice and a wide variety of green tea (leaves not bags) with honey and lemon juice. My daughter has had the flu twice already and she likes to drink the tea and gatorade and has been able to get past it in a couple days with no medication (knock on wood). Maybe it's all in my head, but I usually feel better almost instantly from cold orange juice if I feel it coming. But, I do believe in water and tea for preventing and getting over almost anything.
No doctor and no meds. I do plan on getting the shot for both of us though.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 01:21 AM
Everyone has their own special method of dealing with an oncoming cold. Mine has worked fairly well. If I feel like I am getting sick I... 1. Drink Echinacea Tea
2. Keep hydrated with water/ gatorade
3. Take a relaxing bath with lavender essential oil
4. Eat Vitamin C drops or lots of fruit with Vitamin C like Oranges
5. Drink a cup of Theraflu (I swear by the stuff)
6. Sleep!
Sleep is the most important step. Your body heals while you are sleeping. While your body is at rest the cells that work to fight off infection/bacteria/viruses go to work.
Source(s):
personal experience
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 01:30 AM
Ahh, let me share with you Dr. Gno's prescription for fending off the flu! (WARNING: Dr. Gno is in no way a real doctor and stole that stethoscope from somebody.)
1. Cold-Eeze. Start sucking on the lozenges several times a day, no matter how gag-inducing they are. They work!
2. Emergen-C. My physician actually recommended this to me last time I had the flu (last year). And I love the stuff! Get the raspberry flavor, and it makes a tiny little fizzy drink for you to down. Take a few times a day to build your defenses.
3. Water, No Alcohol. Not only to I turn myself into Prohibition Patty, but I start drinking gallon after gallon of water to help hydrate and flush the system.
4. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep! Resting allows your body to battle the bug the most efficiently.
5. Stay home. Don't spread your germs to others. And it's a good excuse to rest more. Get some blankets, a glass of water, a heating pad, and a good book.
Seriously, these two products and some personal TLC, and you'll trim days off of your illness!
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 02:51 AM
Lately, when I feel any type of cold or virus creeping in to disrupt my busy life, I immedately start to drink my special cocktail. Yes, in it's potency, it has kept numerous bugs fleeing my system and going to find somebody else's body to park in for a while. Oh, the cocktail? I mix half a glass of OJ and half a glass of ginger ale. Now there is no scientific proof that i can find to say for certain why it makes me feel better. I definitely know it is the Vitamin C in the OJ and the bubbles in the ginger ale definitely settle an upset stomach...after that, I got nothing (except good health so far this year when I had two kids with flu, one with strep and people around me dropping like flies).
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 05:15 AM
MomsRising.org has state by state information on the flu: how to prepare, how to get care, and recent news. http://www.momsrising.org/page/h1n1-info-state-state
You can also find information about antiviral medication at:
http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/medicine/index.html
Source(s):
http://www.momsrising.org/page/h1n1-info-state-state
http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/medicine/index.html
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 07:43 AM
I start drinking juice, clear soda, and warm beverages. I also try to incorporate more vitamin C into my diet and eat things that are fresh and healthy. If I have it, I force down airborne, and try to sleep a full 8 hours a day...basically re-regulate my body.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 08:56 AM
Because I tend to not get enough rest on a normal day, when I feel a flu like bug coming on the first thing I do is get a good nights sleep. Rest is a big boost for my system,. I increase my Vitamin C and water intake and if I have any sign of fever I begin a fever medicine immediately. If the flu line symptoms include aore throat I include hot teas with honey and lemon. If it includes an uneasy stomach I add ginger.
Source(s):
personal experience
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 08:59 AM
When I feel I'm tired and feels like Flu is setting in, I drink lemon juice (warm). Take paracetamol tablets to take out the aches and pains. And rest or sleep for a couple of hours. Drink lots of water. Eat lots of fruits. And stay away from people ( keep your distance, when talking, no shaking hands, no greeting kisses, etc. for a while ) to be sure you don't infect them too.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 29, 2009 02:42 PM
With it being early in flu season and with so many people already sick this is a great question. When I got sick with the flu mid September, I should have drink lots of the right fluids, and got more rest. That may have prevented some of the stress that happened after I was recovering from the flu.
Vitamin C tabs along with plenty of low sodium fruit juices high in C are the way to go. If you have a sore throat, which is a common side effect skip the chicken broth, as it is usually high in sodium and drink hot tea with honey to soothe that throat.
Give in to the need for rest and do not push yourself or you will wind up even sicker than you might have. Work will still be there when you are feeling better, and if something needs to be done ask for help.
Skip the chicken broth and limit the over the counter meds if you have high blood pressure. A cup of chicken broth usually has 800 mgs of sodium so drinking a few of these to ease a sore throat can easily add 2,400 or 2,800 mgs of sodium to your diet. This is awful if you have a high blood pressure problem. Many over the counter meds also contain sodium, which may push your sodium levels into the unhealthy range.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 31, 2009 06:10 PM
OREGANO! The single best antiviral known to man. Yes even more effective in clinical trials than antiviral drugs produced by humans. hey the plants had millions of years to figure out how to fight of disease, we've only been working on antivirals for less than 100 years.
Best if you can get pure oregano oil, the essential oil, two to three drops of the oil on your tounge is enough to kill any viral infection, fungus, or bacteria.
Nature has had literally millions of years to come up with there own defenses to these same problems humans face, many plants have developed extremely potent antivirals.
The essential oil is essentially the distilled immune system of the plant Oregano.
Use oregano oil in small doses as it is very potent, but also very effective, you do not need anything else I have not had the flu in ten years, thanks to this amazing natural antiviral. You can find countless studies on oregano oil. I am surprised no one has made a product on the market yet other than the pure oil. I have also had great success with zinc but nothing like the oregano oil.
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 31, 2009 06:13 PM
There are two ways; first one is conventional and the second one is natural. Conventional: You can always visit the nearest doctor and act on his advice. But don't even think of taking any medicine (particularly antibiotics) on your own.
Natural: This may sound ridiculous but this preventive measure/remedy is as effective as any other drug in the world. This is repeatedly tested, proven and recognized and above all, this is totally harmless or free of any adverse side effect.
1: Just when you feel those symptoms, peel two cloves of Garlic and take them (chew them or just gobble them down) with warm milk. Repeat thrice a day and see the difference.
2: Just before you go to sleep, mix a tiny spoon full of Turmeric Powder (I don't know if it is easily available in your area or not) in warm milk and drink it.
3: Wear some body warmer and do some heavy workout, so heavy that you perspire heavily. Push-ups, skipping and crunches will be nice. By the time you are done, you will see that flu is gone.
4: A few pinches of black salt also helps a lot, if taken with warm water.
I have tested of the above three steps on myself a number of times and was cured within a few hours. These treatments are widely practiced all over India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and nearly all the countries neighbouring India. They are more trusted than any other conventional medicine. There is no reason for not having trust on them because one should always keep in mind that the compounds used in conventional medicine system are nothing but these natural compounds reproduced in labs.
Still I repeat, if you find the situation going worse, visit a doctor.
Source(s):
Journals and reports on Ayurveda, naturopathy and herbal medicines. Various reports available on internet.
Permalink | Report
Reply
Answer this Question
Related Questions
No questions found.
Ask a Question
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal
Top Members
Most Popular Tags
Categories
- Anonymous
-
Arts & Design
-
Beauty & Style
-
Books & Authors
-
Business
-
Cars & Transportation
-
Consumer Electronics
- Coupons Deals
-
Education
-
Entertainment
-
Environment
-
Fitness
-
Food & Drink
- From Email
- From Iphone
- From Twitter
-
Health
-
History
-
Hobbies
-
Home & Garden
-
How Tos
-
Humor
-
Jobs
-
Legal
-
Local
-
Love & Relationships
-
Mahalo Answers Community
-
Money
-
Music
-
News
-
NSFW
-
Parenting
-
Pets
-
Science & Mathematics
-
Services
-
Shopping
-
Social Science
-
Society & Culture
-
Sports
-
Technology & Internet
-
Travel
-
Video Games
Welcome New Members
- cail, November 27, 2009 02:48 AM
- sallyandrew, November 27, 2009 02:39 AM
- alexlane, November 27, 2009 02:35 AM
- conundrum_brico..., November 27, 2009 02:18 AM
- fb_550496860, November 27, 2009 02:17 AM
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.
Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.
Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More
