Get rid of summer flu fast

The flu wave has struck again and are you already feeling the first symptoms of the summer flu? The signs are easy to spot. Big head and stuffy nose. But what helps against the common infection?

Atchoo! Maybe I should have put on a cardigan at the garden party that night. But I’m always smarter afterwards. Not only in winter, but also in the warm season, a flu infection can make the rounds. More than 200 different types of pathogens swarm around all year round. If someone catches it, we talk carelessly of the flu. But such a summer flu differs significantly from a real flu , the influenza .

It usually appears out of nowhere, accompanied by high fever and massive headaches and body aches. See a doctor if you experience these symptoms and suspect you have contracted the flu virus.
In contrast, the simple flu-like infection that other virus strains trigger, i.e. the typical cold or summer flu with a sore throat, cough and runny nose , appears almost harmless. It’s also easy to treat yourself, and you’ll usually get over it after a few days.

You don’t need antibiotics in either case. Although doctors often prescribe them for colds, these preparations cannot do anything at all for viral infections: antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses. If they are taken too often unnecessarily, they are even more likely to cause damage. Because the highly potent drug also kills the “good” bacteria, which, as part of the intestinal flora, ensure that digestion runs smoothly. It also promotes the emergence of resistant bacteria, so that the often life-saving medicine loses its effectiveness.

Much-discussed keyword in recent times: multi-resistant germs in hospitals. Luckily, we have plenty of other remedies available to alleviate the discomfort. The key point: With bed rest you are doing your body the greatest favor, which is busy dealing with the disease.

Vegetable helpers better than chemical club

Admittedly, when it’s cold and dark, we like to curl up in bed, but that’s difficult in summer. Nevertheless, with this advice you will get back on your feet faster than if you supposedly “dope yourself fit” with the chemical club. Apart from the fact that you then overexert the body far too easily – also consider that you are not completely fit under the effects of the medication. This can lead to serious problems, especially on the road. In two senses, it is better to drive with herbal combination agents.

For example, coneflower (echinacea) stimulates the immune cells. Together with the antiviral powers of the tree of life (Thuja) and the increased antibody production through the active ingredients of the husk (Baptisia), the duration of a cold can be reduced by up to three days (e.g. in ” Esberitox “). Blue monkshood (Aconite) with extracts of bryony (Bryonia) and water russet (Eupatorium) helps with feverish infections. The trio simultaneously fights fever and pain and regulates mucus production and fluid balance (e.g. in ” Infludoron “).

Of course, it would be ideal if your body could withstand the attacks of the pathogens from the start and you wouldn’t get sick in the first place. With an intact, strong immune system you create the conditions for this. And – as banal as it may sound – with careful hand hygiene. If you wash your hands more often, you noticeably reduce the risk of infection.

Rule of thumb: Every time after you’ve been out and in the office and at home often in between, for about 20 seconds, with soap and hot water. Do not forget the thumbs, the spaces between the fingers and the backs of the hands.

Amazing, but true: the rule also applies to sunbathing : “The dose makes the poison.” Moderate sunbathing strengthens the immune system, while intensive sunbathing weakens it. Try not to let your body cool down, even in summer temperatures. This threatens in drafts or if the air conditioning in the car or office is set too cold or if you keep your wet bathing suit on for too long. Let a shawl or scarf and cardigan be your constant companions even on warm days.

What helps where?

Nose:

  • Spray: When you can breathe easily, you sleep more restfully – which promotes recovery. To allow the nasal mucosa to swell, it is best to use a nasal spray before going to bed (never use for more than ten days, e.g. “Otriven”).
  • Rinsing: In acute phases, nasal douches (e.g. with Emser salt) have a beneficial effect because they gently loosen the secretion and at the same time care for the mucous membranes. Also recommended for prevention and for those suffering from hay fever.

Throat:

  • Drinking: If every swallow hurts, it helps to keep the mucous membranes moist as much as possible. Drink herbal tea, maybe sweetened with a little honey. Antiseptic effect unfolds z. B. Sage. You can also gargle with sage tea.
  • Sucking: Lozenges stimulate your salivation, which also keeps you moist. If the lozenges also contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances, this noticeably relieves the symptoms (e.g. “Dorithricin”).

bronchi:

  • Release: The secretion that collects in the bronchi has to get out. Otherwise there is a risk of pneumonia in the worst case. Cough suppressants (plant-based, e.g. “Prospan” with ivy extract) make it easier to cough up, which is so important.
  • Calm down: A dry, hacking cough hurts and can lead to mucosal injuries. Because it is not productive and therefore pointless, you can soothe this tingling with lozenges, juice or drops (e.g. “Silomat”) with a clear conscience.

This supports your immune system

  • Hardening: Changing temperature stimuli train the immune system’s ability to react. The increased blood flow stimulates the body to form more scavenger and killer cells. Regular visits to the sauna, contrast showers and Kneipp treatments help prevent you from getting colds so often that they are less severe. Only if you have caught an infection should you pause with the hardening measures and let the immune system do its job in peace.
  • Eat healthily: Sure, it weakens the immune system if the organism lacks certain nutrients. Particularly important: the trace elements zinc and selenium as well as vitamins C and E. If the body is well supplied, it protects and strengthens the immune cells. Eat sunflower seeds and legumes more often as zinc suppliers, as well as the vitamin C donors kiwi, peppers or broccoli. Aronia fruits have almost unbeatable vitamin C values ​​(e.g. in “Doppelherz system immune + aronia”).
  • Strengthening the intestinal flora: The immune system has its headquarters in the intestine: Approx. 80 percent of all defense cells are located in the intestinal mucosa. The immunoglobulins are also produced there. The body forms these proteins as an additional defense unit against foreign bodies. If the microflora is intact, the self-healing powers can do a good job. Possibly supplies lactic acid bacteria, also natural intestinal dwellers, via dietary supplements (e.g. “SymbioTolfioow Immun”, in pharmacies).

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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