Wie Sie Ihre Grippesymptome zu Hause behandeln können

Protecting yourself against seasonal flu (influenza) remains important. Getting your annual flu jab can reduce your chance of serious illness, and ease pressure on the NHS during winter months.

Wenn Sie entwickeln flu symptoms, you should stay at home as much as possible to avoid passing it on to others, and reduce the strain on healthcare services. However, there are times when you may need to see a doctor.

Professor Martin Marshall, former chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), and Dr Ravi Tomar, GP partner at Saxonbrook Medical, share advice on managing flu symptoms at home.

Die Anzeichen kennen

Zunächst ist es wichtig, die Grippesymptome zu kennen, bevor Sie sie behandeln können.

Tomar explains that flu typically causes symptoms that affect your whole body.

"These include fever, fatigue, aches, pains, and headaches rather than symptoms in isolated areas of the body such as the upper airway and chest," he says.

Grippesymptome können sehr schnell auftreten und fühlen sich oft schlimmer an als eine Erkältung.

Die Symptome sind bei Kindern und Erwachsenen normalerweise gleich, aber manchmal erleben Kinder Ohrenschmerzen.

Rezeptfreie Behandlungen

Zum Glück gibt es viele rezeptfreie Behandlungen, die Ihre Schmerzen lindern können.

Marshall says that flu can be an unpleasant disease. But for otherwise healthy people it usually passes on its own within a couple of weeks without complication.

"People who have the flu should get plenty of rest, keep up their fluids to avoid dehydration, and control symptoms such as fever and aches with paracetamol or ibuprofen, where necessary," he advises.

Während Schmerzmittel can help with overall aches and pains, there are other options for sore throats and coughs.

Tomar adds that for symptoms affecting your throat, cough syrups or lozenges and throat sprays can be very helpful. If your nose is blocked, sinus rinses or decongestant sprays can be used short-term.

You should always take painkillers as directed on the packet and speak with a pharmacist about the right medications for you.

Heimmittel

There are also a number of at-home remedies that might be helpful in relieving symptoms. Honey and lemon, for instance, can help a sore throat, while steam can help unblock your nose.

Tomar says that while the scientific evidence behind many home remedies has not been established, they can often be found as helpful additions to over-the-counter treatments.

"Hot water with honey and lemon works well to relieve throat symptoms," he explains. "Steam inhalation - with or without an added oil - can help to unblock your nose.

"Darüber hinaus wurde gezeigt, dass viele Nahrungsquellen eine gewisse Wirkung haben in Stärkung des Immunsystems. Dazu gehören Beta-Carotin, Vitamin D and zinc, which can be found in vegetables, fortified cereals, and beans."

Wann solltest du zu Hause bleiben?

Anyone who has symptoms of flu should take 5 to 7 days off work to avoid spreading the illness.

Tomar says that spending this time resting will give your body time to get better. You're also likely to recover faster without risking prolonging or worsening your symptoms.

"If you can work from home, this might be the best initial practice at the onset of symptoms to see if you can manage them while continuing to be productive," he suggests.

While it's advisable to stay home as much as possible to stop spreading the illness, there are times where seeing a doctor is necessary. If your symptoms persist for longer than 5-7 days, or affect your breathing, you should seek medical advice.

"Most people with flu will not need to seek further medical advice during the course of the illness," explains Tomar. "However, if the illness persists for longer than expected, is more severe, distressing, or affecting your breathing then this may suggest an alternative cause or a particularly bad case of flu."

Der beste Schutz

Der beste Weg, sich selbst zu schützen und die Verbreitung der Grippe zu stoppen, ist die Grippeschutzimpfung.

Marshall stresses the importance of flu vaccination in higher-risk groups, including older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term health conditions or learning disabilities.

"It is the best protection we have against the flu and we urge all people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated," - and for parents of young children to arrange this for their children - as soon as possible."

Read our guide to find out whether you're eligible for a free flu vaccine.