Other names for Influenza

Influenza virus infection
Seasonal influenza
The flu
Viral flu infection

Synopsis of Influenza

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection caused by influenza viruses (most commonly types A and B). It primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs, and is transmitted through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. The flu tends to spread rapidly in seasonal outbreaks, especially during fall and winter.

While it often resolves on its own in healthy individuals, influenza can cause serious complications in the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

Typical symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of fever and chills

• Body aches and muscle pain

• Fatigue or weakness

• Dry cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Headache

• Sometimes nausea, especially in children

Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms come on quickly and severely. Most people recover in 7–10 days, but pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are possible complications.

When to see a doctor:
If symptoms are severe, involve difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever, confusion, or if you are in a high-risk group, medical attention is needed. Antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir) may help if started early.

Natural remedies for Influenza

Rest and Sleep: Essential for immune function and recovery.

Stay Hydrated: Drink water, herbal teas, and broths to thin mucus and prevent dehydration.

Use Humidifiers and Steam: Eases congestion and soothes irritated airways.

Eat Light, Nourishing Foods: Such as soups, fruits, and vegetables to supply nutrients.

Avoid Exertion and Exposure: Stay home and reduce activity to prevent spreading and worsening symptoms.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Influenza

Abies spectabilis
Acacia
Adenophora
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agrimony
AHCC
Algae
Allicin
Alliin
alpinia galangal
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
Anamarrhena
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
Asarum sieboldii
astragaloside
astragalus
avens
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
balloon flower
balsam
Basidiomycota
bee propolis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black seed
boneset
borage
Bryonia
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
carvacrol
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
Chaenomeles lagenaria
chaga mushroom
Chondrus
chrysanthemum
cineole
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
currant
dog rose
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
elk antler
Embelia
Ephedra
eucalyptus
Euphorbia
European Elder
fat liver oil
flavanones
flavones
flowering quince
frankincense
Gallesia
ganoderma
ginger
Glehnia littoralis
glehnia root
Glycyrrhizin
goldenseal
gooseberry
Greek mountain tea
green chiretta
green tea
Guaco
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Hyperoside
Immunoglobulin G
Indian frankincense
iridoids
L-cysteine
labrador tea
Lactobacillus casei
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Ledebouriella
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
liverwort
Lomatium
Lycium
Lycopodium
Meadow sage
Microtea debilis
Monolaurin
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Neoandrographolides
Nettle
Onosma bracteatum
Osthole
Pelargonium
Pentatropis capensis
Platycodon
Polygonatum
Polygonum
Premna
quercetin
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
selenium
Shikimic Acid
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sundew
Sweet Annie
Sweet Bay
sweet wormwood
Tremella
turmeric
Umckaloabo
Vasicine
Visnea Mocanera
vitamin C
vitamin D
Xanthophyll
Yerba santa
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
Zingerone