Filipino Flu Home Remedies: Natural Ways to Fight the Flu

Despite no flu breakout notice from the Department of Health, there is still a rise of flu-like illnesses in the Philippines. Many patients have been experiencing common flu symptoms starting from sore throat down to high fever that lasts by 3-4 days. For many Filipino families, the first instinct is to reach for tried-and-true flu home remedies before heading to the clinic.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the effective flu home remedies for adults and children, and when it’s time to call a doctor. Discover what actually works to better manage your flu symptoms, and achieve disease control in the community. Let’s begin!

5 Influenza Home Remedies for Adults and Children That Actually Work

Flu patients can benefit from natural remedies, especially for immediate relief from painful symptoms of the flu. At the same time, such flu remedies can be recognized as first aid. Let’s discuss these effective home remedies for flu symptoms relief below!

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids: Hydration is Key

When you’re battling the flu virus, your body loses fluids through fever, sweating, and even breathing. With such loss, it is possible to get dehydrated, which can cause some complications in your health. It’s best to always drink lots of fluid to help with your body temperature, and keep your body in check.

Furthermore, some of the flu symptoms involve respiratory complications, like runny nose and cough. Drinking water can help thin the mucus, providing relief. Thus, making this flu remedy effective for flu management and treatment at home.

What to drink:

• Water for hydration
• Warm water with calamansi or lemon for vitamin c
• Clear broths like chicken tinola or sopas can be a good source of warmth and soothing effect
• Herbal tea with honey (lagundi or ginger tea) works wonderfully as it helps manage cough and cold symptoms

What to avoid:

• cold water
• soda
• coffee
• alcohol

2. Get Plenty of Rest

Meanwhile, if you have a fever, it is common to experience body pain or muscle pain. That’s why it is crucial to have plenty of rest as your body does its best healing work while you sleep. Resting isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about giving your immune system the energy it needs to fight off the flu virus effectively. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep to help your body recover from flu viruses.

3. Warm Saltwater Gargle for Sore Throat Relief

Another natural flu treatment that works best in managing symptoms like sore throat is gargling saltwater. It is a common method that offers the following benefits.

• thinning or loosens the mucus
• helps remove fluid that results in reduced swelling
• can wash out bacteria build-up
• increases blood flow to help with healing
• provides relief

This solution is the simplest yet one of the most effective influenza remedies for throat discomfort. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle several times a day.

4. Boost Your Nutrition

Aside from bone broth and healthy juices, you can also benefit more by consuming foods with high nutrition content. Your body needs more back-up to achieve wellness, especially when you’re sick. Here’s what you can do to boost your nutrition intake as a home remedy for flu.

• Eat leafy greens like malunggay, kangkong, or pechay (packed with vitamins)
• Eat citrus fruits for vitamin C
• Drink warm nourishing soups like bone broths

These foods support your immune system and are easier to digest when you’re not feeling your best.

Read our go, grow, glow food blog to learn the healthy options to boost recovery from a health condition.

5. Steam Inhalation

One of the effective flu home remedies is steam inhalation. It can address congestion and runny nose problems. Breath in steam from hot water while covered with a towel over your head. You can also do an alternative option, like taking a warm shower. Both options can help loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways.

When Are Flu Home Remedies Appropriate?

Despite being a contagious condition, not every case of flu requires a rush to the emergency room. However, it is crucial to determine when home care is enough and when it’s not.

Flu home remedies work best for mild to moderate flu symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, it might not be the case for older adults and young children due to low immune systems.

Read this related blog to determine the different flu symptoms across all ages.

Home treatment is generally appropriate when:

• Symptoms are manageable and improving after 3-4 days
• Fever responds to rest and hydration
• You can eat and drink without difficulty
• You’re able to rest at home without complications

When your flu worsens, it’s best to seek medical help from an infectious disease doctor in the Philippines.

Preventing Flu Virus Spread at Home

Influenza or flu is a very contagious condition that can be easily passed on to others. Its virus is transmissible through airborne, which individuals can inhale. That’s why if a flu patient is recovering at home, it is important to practice precaution to avoid getting their family members sick. Here’s what you can do to ensure flu virus prevention at home.

Isolation practices:

• Keep the sick person in a separate room if possible
• Use separate utensils, plates, and glasses
• Avoid sharing towels or personal items

Hygiene measures:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Dispose of used tissues immediately
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, phones)

Protective measures:

• Wear a face mask when caring for the sick family member
• Ensure good ventilation by opening windows
• Maintain distance when possible (at least 1 meter)

Remember, the flu virus can spread before symptoms even appear, so these precautions matter even when everyone seems healthy.

Why Doctor Consultation Matters More Than Home Remedies Alone?

As mentioned, home remedies can be effective when you are suffering from mild symptoms of the flu. However, when such symptoms persist, and more complications start to manifest, your condition now requires medical care.

When such situation occurs, a doctor visit can help you with the following:

• Receive accurate diagnose whether you have influenza or another condition
• Get prescription medications such as antiviral medication to fight off the virus in the body
• Address complications like pneumonia or bronchitis, which you developed due to prolonged flu symptoms
• Get targeted treatment for severe symptoms and additional medical attention if deemed necessary by the doctor

Young children and older adult patients should always consider visiting a doctor when their flu symptoms persist.

Medical Options: Influenza Treatment Philippines

Antiviral Medication

Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) work by stopping the influenza virus from multiplying in your body. They’re most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and can reduce the duration of illness by 1-2 days. Your doctor might prescribe these if you’re at high risk for complications or have severe symptoms.

Take note that antibiotics are not prescribed to treat influenza as this health condition is caused by influenza viruses, not bacterial infection.

Flu Vaccine Prevention

If you’re looking for the most effective medical treatment, getting flu shots is the best option. The vaccine helps your immune system recognize and fight the flu virus before you get seriously ill. Visit a doctor offering child vaccinations or adult vaccinations to get your influenza vaccines.

Read this related article to ensure your baby gets the important vaccines right from birth.

Symptomatic Relief Medications

Doctors may recommend or prescribe medications to manage specific flu symptoms:

• Fever reducers and pain relievers for body aches and high body temperature
• Decongestants for nasal congestion
• Cough suppressants for persistent coughing

These medications don’t cure the flu but make you more comfortable during recovery.

FAQs – Home Remedies for Flu

What’s the fastest way to get rid of the flu naturally?

No type of illness is cured immediately within a day. However, by ensuring you have rested well, boost nutrition intake, avoid dehydration, etc., your body has a chance to fight the influenza virus better. Most people start feeling better within 3-5 days with proper home care.

If you need additional care, you can always consult a doctor for flu management and treatment. You can try to book an online consultation with an infectious disease doctor while resting at home.

Can bioflu cure influenza?

While bioflu is advertised as a first aid treatment for flu patients, it doesn’t cure the flu virus in the body. Bioflu is not an antiviral drug, and can only alleviate influenza symptoms.

Can I take bioflu and paracetamol to reduce fever and other flu symptoms?

No, it is not advisable to take both drugs to treat your flu and flu symptoms. Bioflu already contains paracetamol, and can address flu symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion, headache, cold symptoms, etc.). Taking a paracetamol tablet can only lead to overdose. A paracetamol table is commonly used as a first aid for fever and doesn’t address the other flu symptoms.

Can I take bioflu and cetirizine for nasal congestion problems?

No, you must not take both over-the-counter drugs as a remedy for flu. These medications have antihistamine properties, which can lead to possible side effects in the body when taken.

What home remedy is suitable for children with flu?

Avoiding dehydration is one of the most effective home remedies to fight off flu symptoms, especially in children. You can also help boost their immune system by providing healthy meals, and letting them rest for at least 7-8 hours.

Conclusion

Flu home remedies can be powerful allies in your recovery journey when used appropriately. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, using a saltwater gargle, and nourishing your body with healthy foods all support your immune system’s natural ability to fight the influenza virus. However, when medical care is necessary, it is important to visit a doctor immediately.

Get the treatment you need if you have severe flu symptoms. Book a doctor consultation with an infectious disease doctor using NowServing!