Summer is supposed to be a time of sunshine, fun, and relaxation. However, the flu doesn’t take a vacation just because it’s summertime. Influenza can strike at any time of year. If you find yourself battling the miserable symptoms of summer flu, take heart. There are many effective home remedies you can try to find relief fast.
Symptoms of Summer Flu
Influenza (flu) symptoms tend to come on suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common signs of summer flu include:
- Fever and chills
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough (usually dry)
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)
Flu symptoms often leave you feeling drained and exhausted. The fever, body aches, and fatigue can last 5-7 days, while the cough and lingering weakness can persist for weeks.
Home Remedies to Relieve Summer Flu
If you come down with a case of the flu this summer, focus on resting and staying hydrated. Here are some simple, natural home remedies that can help you recover more quickly and comfortably:
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration occurs easily when you have the flu. Fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can all deplete your body’s fluid levels. Sip on water, broth, or electrolyte drinks to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration. Popsicles and ice chips are great for soothing a sore throat too.
Pro Tip: Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or watermelon to your water for a refreshing vitamin C boost.
Honey
Honey has natural antimicrobial and cough-suppressing properties. Drink a cup of hot tea or warm lemon water mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of honey to help coughing and soothe an irritated throat. For children over one-year-old, try adding honey to a cup of warm milk. The honey coats and lubricates the throat for relief.
Chicken Soup
There’s a reason chicken soup is a classic home remedy for colds and flu. The warm broth helps thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. Chicken soup is also an excellent source of hydration and electrolytes. Try adding veggies like carrots, onions, garlic, and celery for extra immune-boosting power.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water helps reduce swollen tissues in the throat and loosens thick mucus. To make a saltwater gargle, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Gargle a mouthful and repeat as needed to relieve a sore, scratchy throat.
Steam
Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water can help open congested nasal passages and airways. Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus, menthol, or lavender oil to maximize the soothing vapor. Keep a towel draped over your head as you breathe in the therapeutic steam. This helps dilute and drain mucus to relieve sinus pressure.
Stay Restful
Your body needs extra rest to recuperate from the flu. Stay home from work or school and focus on resting until the fever subsides. Sleep as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity. Pushing yourself too hard can tax your immune system and prolong recovery.
Over-the-Counter Medications
For fever and body aches, take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Decongestants can help dry up post-nasal drip and unclog a stuffy nose. Cough syrups have suppressants that can calm a cough. Use as directed and consult a doctor if symptoms don’t improve within a few days.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of summer flu can be managed at home with rest and supportive self-care. However, contact your doctor if you experience:
- High fever over 102°F that lasts more than 3 days
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe vomiting or dehydration
- Flu symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Flu symptoms that don’t improve after 7-10 days
Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu complications. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms seem overly severe or you are in a high-risk group.
Conclusion
Catching the flu is never fun, even in the summer. Try not to panic and focus on supporting your body’s recovery with rest and hydration. Sip fluids, stay home, and utilize simple home remedies like honey, saltwater gargles, steam, and chicken soup to find soothing relief. With a little TLC, you should start feeling stronger in a few days. However, see a doctor right away if symptoms become serious. With the proper care, you’ll be back to sunny summer fun before you know it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Flu Home Remedies
What foods help fight the flu?
Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes can help boost the immune system. Chicken soup, garlic, ginger, yogurt, green tea, and hydrating foods like watermelon also provide flu-fighting benefits.
What should you avoid if you have the flu?
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks which can contribute to dehydration. Avoid strenuous exercise until the fever fully subsides. Also, avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of infection.
How do you tell if you have the flu or a cold?
The flu comes on abruptly with more intense symptoms like high fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Colds have milder symptoms that develop gradually like low-grade fever, runny nose, and sneezing.
How long can the flu last?
Most people recover from the flu in 7-10 days, but coughing and fatigue can persist for 2-4 weeks. Seek medical attention if symptoms don’t improve after 7-10 days or if they suddenly worsen.
Is it OK to exercise with the flu?
No. Rest is very important, so avoid exercise and strenuous activity when you have the flu. Too much exertion can prolong recovery. Wait until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours before returning to gentle exercise.