Flu, here are the really useful drugs

There is a lot of talk about it, on the net and in health magazines: viruses can be fought with antiviral drugs, which slow down their propagation and limit their effects.

These medicinal products should be prescribed by a doctor, as their benefit/risk profile should always be carefully assessed.

In principle it is considered superfluous since the flu, however benign, resolves itself in the vast majority of cases.

Antibiotics ineffective against viruses

In influenza, antibiotics are contraindicated since they serve no purpose against viruses. They should only be used if bacterial complications occur.

In any case, it must always be the doctor who prescribes antibiotics, and the treatment must be carried out according to the indications, even if the symptoms disappear earlier.

In this way, the bacteria are completely eradicated, avoiding heavy relapses.

The abuse of antibiotics generates the phenomenon of “antibiotic resistance” which, over time, has led to the development of strains of bacteria no longer sensitive to certain drugs.

So, in general, in the case of flu, the therapy is purely symptomatic: stay in bed, take antipyretics for fever, nasal decongestants, cough syrups.

Symptoms: so they keep at bay

Depending on the action required, you can use:

• Painkillers. They reduce pain (headache, sore throat and muscle and bone pain).
• Antipyretics and anti-inflammatories. Inflammation and body temperature (fever, which characterizes the flu) decrease.
• Cough suppressants and nasal decongestants. The former inhibit the stimulus of coughing, the latter relieve mucus production.
• Mucolytics and expectorants. They promote expectoration by reducing the viscosity of catarrhal secretions.

Useful tips

Vitamins and minerals. It has always been said that freshly squeezed juices help prevent “seasonal ills”, in particular thanks to the contribution of vitamin C.

Yet, despite the literature on the subject is vast, even today the role of this vitamin in preventing infections is the subject of debate.

In any case, there is a wealth of scientific data that confirm an active involvement of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the functionality of the immune system.

In addition, immune cells that destroy viruses (phagocytes) produce oxidizing and toxic substances, not only for microorganisms, but also for other cells of our body: vitamin C has proven to be an excellent antioxidant, able to neutralize these toxins.

Below is the content of vitamin C in some foods:

Food	Vitamin C content (mg/100g edible part)
Grape juice	340
Hot peppers	229
Shores	200
Peppers	166
Rocket	110
Boiled broccoli	86
Kiwi	85
Strawberries	54
Spinach	54
Clementines	54
Red cabbage	52
Orange juice	44
Lemon juice	43

A lot of water. Drinking plenty of water is essential (especially in children) to maintain proper hydration when you have a fever.

To ensure the proper functioning of all physiological activities, our body needs about a liter and a half of water every day.

Even more so when, due to fever, there is an abundant loss of liquids through sweat.

An adequate intake of water and mineral salts is essential both to put the body in the best conditions to fight the disease, and to alleviate the symptoms, because for example it makes the mucus more fluid which, in this way, is eliminated more easily.

Many symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion can also be relieved by warm drinks, preferably sweetened with Honey .

Fumigate. Steam inhalations may help. They improve nasal obstruction and cough, as the steam thins the mucus.

Just sit in front of a pot of hot water and cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and inhale deeply.

This practice is not suitable for children because they could burn themselves: it is better to have them sit in the bathroom with the hot water in the tub open and the door closed, so that the room fills with steam. Aerosols have the same effects.

No cigarettes. It is essential to avoid cigarette smoke, which further irritates the mucous membrane of the airways.