Home Remedies for Influenza

Most healthy people recover from flu at home with rest and fluids.

What helps

• Rest as much as you can, and stay home until you have had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine.
• Fluids: water, soup, dal water, oral rehydration solution and warm drinks. Aim for pale urine.
• Warm drinks and soups can soothe the throat. Honey in warm water may ease cough in adults and children over 12 months.
• Gargle with warm salt water for sore throat in older children and adults.
• Saline nasal drops or spray for a blocked nose.
• Fever and body ache: paracetamol in the correct dose for age and weight.
• Humid, comfortable room with fresh air.

Protect others

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
• Wash hands often.
• Wear a mask around others if you must go out, and avoid sharing cups and towels.
• Keep away from babies, older adults and anyone high-risk.

What to avoid

• Aspirin in children and teenagers, because of the risk of Reye syndrome
• Antibiotics unless a doctor finds a bacterial infection
• Steam inhalation for young children, which can cause burns
• Honey for babies under 12 months
• Herbal remedies for infants unless a paediatrician advises
• Cough syrups for young children without medical advice

When to see a doctor

Seek care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips, dehydration, or fever lasting more than 3 days. Call 112 or 102 in an emergency.

Key point

Rest, fluids and watching for warning signs are the core of flu care.

Before your appointment

Note when symptoms began, your highest temperature, and any cough, breathing trouble or vomiting. List your medicines, long-term conditions, pregnancy, allergies and recent vaccines, including this year's flu vaccine. Mention contact with anyone who is ill. Ask about testing, antivirals, when to return to work or school and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.