Now Arriving, The Flu Season – Treat It With Natural Remedies

The flu season is upon us already, many health departments are confirming cases of influenza across the country. Flu shots are available just about every where these days. It use to be we never saw huge outbreaks of influenza until February or March, but these days it starts earlier and earlier.

Just how do you know if you have the flu or if it is just a cold or is it H1N1? With the flu you will have a fever with a cold you don’t, also you may have a severe headache with the flu and but not with a cold. With the flu you are going to have muscle aches, tiredness or weakness, extreme exhaustion, with your fever and headache. Some symptoms like running nose, sneezing and sore throat are typically a cold and not the flu, but can sometimes accompany the flu, along with a cough. The flu can last up to 2 weeks and bed rest and lots of fluids are important during this time.

H1N1 is an influenza virus strain, flu viruses are constantly changing from year to year and there is no way to predict which strain will hit each year. Severity of the flu strain can vary from person to person and can depending on whether the person has other health issues that may complicate the illness. Most physicians recommend people younger than 5, older than 65, pregnant women and those with other health issues should receive the flu vaccine. This years vaccine is a 3 in 1 covering the H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus.

Other than the flu vaccine there are ways to help prevent the spread of influenza to others. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick, if you are sick with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone.

There are a number of medicines your doctor can prescribe for your symptoms or you may want to check with them to see if you can take an over-the-counter homeopathic or natural remedy for the symptoms. Many of these natural remedies or herbal remedies can help boost your immune system and fight off the flu or cold that you may have. If you are one who does not get the flu shot each year you may also want to check with your doctor about natural or herbal immune boosters that you can take during the flu season to stay healthy.

Check out Herbal For U to see what great flu, cold and immune boosting remedies are available to keep you healthy during the flu season.