The flu can be deadly, especially to high-risk groups. However, it is usually self-treatable and resolves after one to two weeks. The flu spreads easily, is only partly preventable through vaccines, and millions of people in the US get it each year. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are hospitalized each year, and thousands of people die every year. The flu goes after the lungs, nose, and throat, and it feels like a relentless onslaught of unpleasant feelings. Everything from fever and chills to muscle aches, coughing, and fatigue can be expected.
The flu is treated mostly with bed rest and fluid so that your body can be in the best position possible to fight the infection. Anything you can do to support your body is a good idea when you’ve got the flu. Those most at risk of dying include the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with weakened or compromised immune systems. This article will help you navigate your options with self-treatment. You should be doing everything in your power to ensure a speedy recovery and a return to better health. Fortifying your body’s defenses and boosting your immune system can give you a better chance of recovering faster and with less severe symptoms.
1. Take Ginseng
Used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years, Ginseng boosts your immune system. This is great when fighting off viruses and bacteria. It works by increasing your body’s immune response, prompting it to commission specialized cells when you’re sick. When using Ginseng for this medicinal purpose, make sure you opt for the Asian “brand.” Sometimes called “Panax Ginseng” it’s sometimes referred to as the “real” Ginseng since it has so many active ingredients that help with combatting illnesses by boosting your immunity. Take 100mg twice daily to prevent the onset of the flu or take 400mg daily if you already have the flu. Don’t take it if you’re taking any pharmaceutical drugs though because it interferes with how they work.
