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17th November 2017
03:42pm GMT
If it seems like everyone and their mother is suffering from the flu at the moment, it's because they probably are.
Headaches, fever, blocked sinuses, cough, sore throat and runny nose are just some of the symptoms that go hand-in-hand with the illness so if you're struggling on the frontline, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Lots of rest and fluids are essential but here are a few extra things you can do to try to improve the situation...
We may not have any scientific evidence to back this one up but we absolutely swear by it. Sipping on a dash of whiskey with hot water, lemon and cloves once you start feeling sniffly is better than anything you can get over the counter.
The worst part of the flu is getting a blocked nose, and waking up about 100 times a night because you can't breathe. A nasal rinse is a great way to clear out those sinuses (try NeilMed), or try a nasal spray like Otrivine. You can pop the little bottle in your handbag for quick relief at work.
When it comes to fighting flu, natural remedies can often be one of our best weapons. Tumeric and ginger are both widely recognised for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties so try using both for double the impact. There are loads of recipes online, here's one for a turmeric and ginger elixir.
Sometimes, there's no getting over a flu without hitting up your local pharmacy. There are loads of options from decongestants and anti-histamines to paracetamol, ibuprofen, pseudoephadrine and cough suppressants. Chat to your doc or save yourself the €60 fee by consulting your local pharmacist.
If your throat is giving you hassle, then salt water is the way to go. Gargle a few times a day to kill off bacteria and get back on the road to health.
No matter how broke you are after Christmas, it's definitely worth splashing out on some soft tissues like Kleenex Balsam. Using toilet roll from the office is essential like rubbing sandpaper on your face and you'll look like Rudolph by the end of day one. You deserve this.
Mammy says it cures everything and who are we to question her?
