At this time, staying safe and protected from viral infections is more important than ever before. No matter how strong you believe your immune system to be, everyone is at risk of catching a virus that could leave them seriously ill.
While there is no sure-fire way to prevent a virus for good, there are methods to fight viral infections that you can put into practice, along with seeking the recommended medical support.
Many people don’t realise that the symptoms you experience from a viral infection are your body’s way of telling you that it’s fighting the illness. A fever, for example, comes about when your body is trying to kill viruses by creating a hotter-than-normal environment. Coughing is intended to clear your breathing passages of thick mucus that can carry germs to your lungs and the rest of your body. However, even while these symptoms might be doing their best to help your body heal, you can use your own natural interventions to speed up the recovery process.
Stay tuned to learn of the most effective methods for naturally fighting viral infections.
1. Blow your nose when you need to – and do it properly!
Rather than sniffling the mucus back into your head, it’s important to blow your nose regularly, or whenever it feels congested or starts to run. Just make sure not to blow too hard, which can actually create a pressure that sends your phlegm into your ear canal, leading to an infection. The best way to blow your nose is to press one finger over your nostril and gently blow into a tissue to clear the other.
2. Make a saltwater treatment
One of the most effective stuffy nose remedies is to make a saltwater treatment. Rinsing your sinuses with saltwater should clear your congestion dramatically, removing harmful virus microorganisms along with the mucus. This will speed your body up in its healing process, helping you to get better, faster.
To make a saltwater treatment, mix a quarter of a teaspoon of salt with a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a small syringe to squirt water into your nose, then hold one nostril closed with one finger while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. This won’t feel too comfortable, but you should be able to get used to it. Let it drain, then repeat two to three times before moving onto the other nostril.
3. Stay hydrated
There’s nothing special or magical about water as a natural antiviral, yet it’s one of the most effective treatments out there. Simply staying hydrated will not only help you to fight off viral infections, it’ll put you at lower risk of getting them in the first place.
When you’re hydrated, your body has a natural ability to flush germs out of your system. It’s recommended that you drink a minimum of two litres of water a day. If you’re finding this difficult with your virus symptoms, try warming up the water and adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a more comforting drink.
4. Up your intake of vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients you can take when you’re ill with a viral infection, as it boosts your overall health, including your immune system. Studies have found vitamin C to be effective against a whole host of harmful pathogens, including viruses, while a lack of vitamin C has been long known to increase susceptibility to viruses.
Vitamin C isn’t just found in citrus fruits – kale, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes and bananas are also good sources. Some fruit juices, breakfast cereals and dairy products are also fortified with vitamin C. If you still don’t think you get enough in your diet, you can supplement with vitamin C tablets or dissolvable powder.
5. Drink honey and tea
Your mum or grandma most likely gave you honey and tea when you were ill, and there’s a reason for this that goes beyond old wives’ tales. Honey is a natural sweetener, so it’s much better for you than sugar, and it has natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Manuka honey in particular has been found in studies to efficiently inhibit the replication of influenza virus.
You can buy honey from your local supermarket, but manuka honey is a bit more specialist, so you’re more likely to find that in health stores or online. Simply squeeze a teaspoon of honey into your daily cups of tea and give it a stir. Add a drop of lemon juice for the ultimate virus-fighting combination.
6. Whip up a chicken soup
Here’s another mum’s favourite! There’s also science behind this popular supper dish to suggest it really can clear up viral infections faster. It’s thought that hot liquids, such as soup, help reduce mucus build-up and keep you hydrated. So why chicken soup in particular? Well, research shows that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce a cold’s unpleasant side effects.
The best chicken soup for viral infections is the homemade sort. If you can handle standing over the stove for up to an hour, it’s definitely worth concocting your own recipe to get the most out of your meal.
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