Influenza symptoms may seem to appear suddenly, although the virus usually requires one to three days after exposure to manifest symptoms. The early signs of influenza are similar to those of the common cold--headache, weakness, and aching of the arms, legs, and back. The victim may alternate between feeling feverish one moment and chilly the next. In addition, influenza sufferers often have a dry throat, cough, and feel so tired that they do not feel like doing much of anything.
If your resistance is low, if you are elderly, or are prone to the flu, you may want to avoid exposure to crowded environments as this increases your chance of getting the flu. This is especially true during the months from December to February. You can lower your resistance, and increase your risk to infection from exposure to cold or wet weather, kissing someone who is already ill, or over-exerting yourself.
Abdominal pain may signal another problem, such as appendicitis. Prolonged vomiting can cause dehydration. If abdominal pain and vomiting don’t subside after a day, see a physician.
Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment
1. Increase your fluid intake so that your tissues will be hydrated and mucus expectoration will be easier. Soups and vegetable juices will provide you with vitamins and minerals and help you to keep your strength up. Don’t force yourself to eat, but if you desire nourishment, then bland, starchy foods such as bananas, applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice, and dry toast are good choices.
2. Avoid flu remedies with high alcohol content as they suppress the immune system. Antihistamines may make you feel better if you have a runny nose but they may also interfere with your recovery. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
3. Consider using a hot steam humidifier to moisturize the mucus membranes in your nose and throat. This will help to trap and expel germs more easily.
4. Avoid exercise. Rest instead. Pushing too hard when you have the flu can depress your immune system and slow your recovery. After flu symptoms have improved, give your body one to two weeks to recover before returning to your exercise regimen. (See “Stress.”)
5. Consider using moist heat for aching muscles. This is best done with a warm, wet washcloth wrapped around a water bottle filled with hot water. Moist heat penetrates into the body and is less likely to burn than a heating pad. Soaking your feet in hot water may help improve circulation and reduce headache and congestion symptoms.
6. If you’re prone to the flu, you might consider a flu vaccination in the fall or early winter. This is especially true for those over 65 or with chronic illness. Although the strain of flu virus is slightly different each year, there may be some crossover protection from one flu virus to another. However, there is the risk that vaccination may induce the symptoms of flu as the body develops antibodies. If you have an allergy to eggs, the flu shot is to be avoided. (See “Allergy—Food.”)
7. Supplements which should strongly be considered when experiencing flu symptoms include vitamins A and C, zinc, B-complex, and garlic. Digestive enzymes, which reduce inflammation and have antiviral activity, are effective when taken between meals. You may want to take your bowel tolerance of vitamin C. This is done by gradually increasing the amount of vitamin C until loose bowels is achieved. Maintain at or just below this dosage divided throughout the day.
8. Herbs known to be of benefit include echinacea, ginger, pau d’arco, slippery elm and yarrow. Taking a teaspoonful of natural honey is beneficial when a cough is present. Inhaling the vapor from eucalyptus oil drops placed in a hot bath or cut of boiling water helps to clear the lungs as well.
9. Homeopathics to consider are Aconite (in the early stages with fever and chill; particularly in children), Arsenicum (especially when exhaustion is present and accompanied by burning pains, diarrhea or anxiety), Bryonia (generalized body pain, particularly in the chest, and worse with movement), Gelsemium (for general aching and soreness), Influenzinum (a nosode made from flu; helpful in refractory cases), and Nux Vomica (for early flu, especially if constipated and irritable). The Royal Remedy combination, Cold & Flu Drops, are especially effective for flu when taken at the first sign of cold and/or flu symptoms.
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