How to Relieve Myalgia Caused By the Flu

When a person contracts influenza, or the flu, it doesn't take long before he starts to experience muscle aches, also known as myalgia. Muscle aches causes by the flu most often occur in the arms, legs and back. Myalgia can make simple tasks painful and difficult to perform. Although there is no cure for the flu, there are ways to treat the symptoms. There are simple ways to relieve myalgia so you can start to feel better right away.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Ice cubes
• Heating pad
• Ibuprofen

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an ibuprofen every four to six hours to relieve muscle inflammation.

• 2

  Get plenty of rest. When you are sick with the flu, you need to allow your body to rest so your immune system can fight of the virus. Pushing yourself too hard can make the symptoms worse.

• 3

  Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes or frozen peas. Place the bag on the areas of your body that are aching. Continue to do this periodically for the first 24 hours you feel body aches.

• 4

  Switch to a heating pad if you are still feeling achey 24 hours after starting ice pack treatment. Soaking in warm water may also be helpful.

• 5

  Stretch your muscles in the morning when you first wake up. Continue to stretch your muscles throughout the day.

• 6

  Contact a doctor if muscle pain is severe after three days.