How to Reduce Flu Symptoms

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year between and 5 and 20 percent of people in the United States get the flu. More 200,000 are hospitalized due to flu-related complications and nearly 36,000 die from causes related to the virus. Getting the flu is miserable, but there are a few things that can be done to help the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Liquids
• Chicken Soup
• Pain relievers

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Instructions

Fighting the Flu

• 1

  The flu has a tendency to dehydrate, so make sure to drink plenty of liquids. Mayo Clinic experts say you should drink until your urine is clear or a pale yellow.

• 2

  Make sure you get plenty of rest. This will give your immune system time to fight the virus.

• 3

  Chicken soup is good for the soul and for the flu. Besides helping to hydrate your body, it can also help break up congestion.

• 4

  Take pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce fever and help with body aches, but use sparingly because in some cases these medications do have side effects including stomach pain, ulcers and bleeding.