The Signs & Symptoms of the Flu & How to Cure It

The flu is an upper respiratory infection that is caused by the three types of influenza viruses. The signs and symptoms of the flu are similar to many illnesses, such as a cold or sinus infection. Although there is not a specific cure for the flu virus, vaccinations are available to prevent infections altogether, as well as antiviral medications that inhibit the virus from reproducing, prevent serious and fatal complications and speed healing time.

Signs and Symptoms

• Influenza A and B are to blame for the yearly flu epidemics that typically occur during the winter season. Influenza C causes a mild upper respiratory infection and is not capable of creating a flu epidemic. A flu infection usually hits a person with suddenly occurring symptoms, such as a high fever, extreme fatigue and tiredness, body aches and pain, coughing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose and congestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

  It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose the flu solely based on symptoms because many of the signs of a flu can often be mistaken for other sicknesses, such as the common cold. A full medical evaluation, as well as a positive flu test, are necessary to diagnose a flu infection.

  If you think you have the flu, the best option for a speedy recovery and prevention of spreading the virus to others is to seek medical attention for flu testing and treatment. Speedy medical attention is a must for those at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, babies and young children, people age 65, those who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma, those who live in long-term care facilities and nursing homes, and anyone who cares for or lives with those who are at high risk for complications from the flu.

Treatments and Cures

• Protect yourself from getting the flu virus by getting a yearly flu shot. Flu vaccinations protect against influenza viruses A and B, but they do not provide protection against the less aggressive C virus. The influenza virus undergoes the process of being an "antigenic drift," where it is continuously changing, but seasonal vaccinations always include protection against the three virus strains thought to be most occurring.

  Antiviral medications are also available to treat the most occurring strands of the flu. Antiviral medications prevent the influenza virus from multiplying and reproducing in your body. There are four types of antiviral medications available as prescription liquids, pills and inhaled powders. Antiviral medications can prevent serious complications and possible fatal effects from a flu infection as well as speed healing time, allowing you to feel better sooner in comparison to not receiving treatment.

  Home treatments for getting over the flu include getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you are unable to keep food down due to nausea and vomiting, try drinking small amounts of fluid every 10 to 15 minutes to prevent dehydration. Once you are able to keep solids down, eat a bland diet of crackers, toast, rice, applesauce and/or bananas before returning to your normal diet. If you have coughing, sore throat and congestion, try using a vaporizer when you sleep to thin and loosen congestion and promote faster healing. Cough drops may provide relief for a sore throat, and over-the-counter cough medicines may reduce coughing symptoms.