Effective Ways To Treat The Flu

The Best Defense: Vaccination

Ultimately, the best treatment for the flu is actually to prevent it in the first place, Thus, individuals who can do so should always get an annual flu vaccine. Every year, health officials create a flu vaccine designed to combat what research indicates will be the most common strain of the influenza virus during that upcoming flu season. Flu vaccines are often available at pharmacies and local drug stores, but many patients can also receive it at their doctor's office. Since the flu tends to be seasonal and peaks in the winter, the flu vaccine is distributed at the beginning of the fall. Side effects of the vaccine include flu symptoms that last for one to three days as well as redness at the injection site. Although the vaccine is incredibly effective at preventing the flu, it is important to note it may not always do so. However, what is clear is patients who get vaccinated but end up getting the flu anyway will have a much milder case of the flu.

Throat Lozenges

Throat lozenges, also commonly called cough drops, are small tablets that can be used to help alleviate coughs and sore throats. The tablets are typically medicated. To use them, individuals must unwrap each lozenge and then let it dissolve slowly in the mouth so the ingredients can take effect. In addition to stopping coughing, lozenges can also soothe irritated throat tissues and lubricate a dry throat. The most common reasons to use cough drops include dealing with the flu or common cold. Some lozenges include an anesthetic called benzocaine, which helps reduce pain from a sore throat and suppress the reflex to cough. When drops don't contain menthol, they usually have pectin or zinc gluconate glycine. Some lozenges have active ingredients like spearmint, peppermint oil, and menthol. It's also possible to get honey lozenges. Although these won't help patients recover from the flu faster, they can ease some of the discomfort.