Home Remedies for the Flu

The flu is hitting Elon hard. You can take cough syrup, decongestants and cough drops to help ease your symptoms. WebMD suggests some home remedies that can help you get better.

To help with overall aches and pains you should increase liquids and take a warm shower. You can also put a warm moist washcloth on your cheeks.

If you have a scratchy throat and a clogged nose WebMD has a couple of spices that can help ease your pain. Ginger has antibacterial properties and can help get rid of throat inflammation. Chili peppers are also good for the flu– they serve as a decongestant.’

Lastly, WebMD suggests that you drink a lot of liquids and says you should stay in bed and rest.

Check out WebMD for the full list of home remedies.

Seasonal Flu at Elon

By Monica Yantosh

10 people are reported dead from complications of the flu since October 2010, and the flu is now “widespread” in North Carolina, according to the CDC. That means people all over the state are getting sick, including Elon.

“Actually, we do have three different kinds of flu.  We’ve got Influenza B, and we’ve got two different types of Influenza A,” University Physician Dr. Hawkins said.

Last year, if anyone wanted to get a flu shot to protect themselves, they needed both the seasonal flu shot for Influenza A and B, as well as the H1N1 vaccine.  The shot they’re giving out this year covers all three strains.

To prevent stay healthy this season, the CDC offers a number of tips on their website.  Their top advice? Get vaccinated every year.  Elon students who the shot can still get them from the Ellington Health Center for $15.  The vaccines are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.