How to get rid of a cold flu virus

People can reduce their risk of the virus by getting a flu shot and taking extra precautions during flu season. The flu season is cyclical in most areas, with more cases occurring during the fall and winter months. Although the vaccine that a person receives will not prevent every form of the flu, it provides protection against the strain that is likely to infect people during that year. The vaccine is a safe and effective way of preventing the virus during flu season. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America , the vaccine can also reduce the risk of severe complications in people who do get the flu.

Most people will only have mild-to-moderate flu symptoms, and they may only experience some of the possible symptoms of the disease.

The CDC recommend that people who experience any flu symptoms should stay home and rest. They should only leave home to make necessary trips, such as to see their doctor or buy groceries. Staying inside and resting will help the body fight off the virus. It will also reduce the risk of it spreading to other people. A person should talk to a doctor as soon as possible after any signs of the flu occur. Doing this is particularly important for people at risk of complications, such as older adults and people who smoke.

The National Institutes of Health NIH also recommend talking to a doctor about antiviral medication during a local flu outbreak. Antiviral medications can prevent severe symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

According to the NIH, an antiviral medication is most effective within the first 48 hours of developing symptoms. Therefore, it is best to talk to a doctor as soon as possible about these treatments. A doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic if there is a risk of other bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. The NIH note that some of the most important ways of fighting the flu at home include:.

Some additional ways to reduce flu symptoms include :. According to a review , honey could also help with symptoms. Researchers found three studies providing evidence that taking honey right before bed can ease symptoms, such as a cough, in children. Another study from found that taking zinc can help with flu symptoms by preventing the virus from rapidly spreading, reducing the duration of illness. However, there is not enough evidence to support routine or high dosages of zinc to prevent the flu.

Another factor that may contribute to the risk of a post-infectious cough is the undertreatment of an upper respiratory infection.

If there is a heavy build-up of mucus, you may be well served to get an expectorant like Mucinex to help clear the mucus rather than letting it sit in the lungs. It's also sensible to try and avoid potential environmental irritants that may trigger or worsen your cough, like dust or smoke.

You may be able to reduce the risk of a post-infectious cough by getting plenty of rest while recovering from an upper respiratory infection. Using an expectorant to clear any mucus in the lungs may also help as the impaired clearance of mucus is linked to an increased risk of post-infectious coughs. A post-infectious cough is a lingering cough from an upper respiratory infection, like the common cold or flu, that persists for up to eight weeks after the infection has otherwise cleared.

It can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms but may involve additional tests to rule out other possible causes, like asthma or whooping cough. Post-infectious coughs are treated symptomatically with cough suppressants, antihistamines, expectorants, or inhaled or oral steroids.

Home remedies like humidifiers, eucalyptus aromatherapy, and gargling with salt water may also help. Post-infectious cough can possibly be avoided by treating upper respiratory infections appropriately. This includes getting plenty of rest during the infection and using an expectorant to avoid the build-up of mucus in the lungs. While it's truly no fun to be "sniffly" and sick from the cold or flu, know that you are not alone.

Viral upper respiratory infections are very common, as is the irritating cough that sometimes lingers afterward. That said, if your cough is particularly severe, is lasting eight or more weeks, or is not improving with home or OTC therapies, be sure to see your healthcare provider. You will also want to see your healthcare provider if you have worrisome symptoms along with your cough, like vomiting or weight loss.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Braman SS. Postinfectious cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Treatment of subacute and chronic cough in adults. Weston S, Frieman MB. Respiratory viruses.

In: Schmidt TM, ed. Encyclopedia of Microbiology. Amsterdam: Academic Press; — J Thorac Dis. Cleveland Clinic. Persistent cough? It may be a sign of heart failure. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What are the symptoms of lung cancer? Michaudet C, Malaty J. Chronic cough: evaluation and management.

Am Fam Physician. Harvard Health Publishing. That nagging cough. Menthol cough drops: cause for concern? J Am Board Fam Med. Flavour Fragr J. Mount Sinai. Honey plus coffee versus systemic steroid in the treatment of persistent post-infectious cough: a randomised controlled trial.

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By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Common cold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Feb. Sexton DJ, et al. The common cold in adults: Treatment and prevention. Saper RJ. Clinical use of echinacea. Pappas DE. The common cold in children: Management and prevention.

Upper respiratory tract infection. Mayo Clinic; Natural Medicines. Drutz JE. Acute pharyngitis in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, Sullivan JE, et al.

Clinical report — Fever and antipyretic use in children. Reaffirmed July Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Renaud DL expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Avoid rebound nasal congestion Breast-feeding and medications Can chicken soup cure a cold?

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