How to Fight a Flu Naturally

Video Transcript

"It's flu season again. A lot of people today, like to use natural remedies to fight many different diseases, including that of the flu. Hi, I'm Dr. Savage. I'm an osteopathic family practice physician, in Tampa. I'm here to talk to you about natural remedies to use when you have the flu. Before I do that, I must say that it's important to see your doctor, when you have the symptoms of the flu. First of all, if you have it within the first two days, there's an antiviral medicine that can greatly decrease the time course. Whereas, natural medicines are ok, vitamin C, zinc, echinacea. They may help with the symptoms, but they don't actually decrease the time course. Other things to do, that could help, is using honey in your tea. A nice warm cup will hydrate the nasal cavity. The honey has been shown to be as effective, if not more effective, than treating congestion. If you have a sore throat, salt water gargles would be fine. Regarding nausea and diarrhea, unfortunately, you're going to have to stick that one out. That's part of why it's a potentially dangerous disease. You have to maintain as much calorie and water intake, as you can tolerate, so first, it's important to take sips of clear liquids, and increase your oral intake, as you can tolerate it. Also, if your diarrhea persists more than a couple of days, that is yet another reason to see your doctor, and that's natural remedies to treat the flu. I'm Dr. Savage. I wish you the best of health."