Top Home Remedies for the Late Season Flu

So the last two days I have been at home bundled up and miserable with the flu bug and a little strep throat thrown in for good measure. I've been to the Dr. and I'm taking the meds prescribed but it seems that I am not getting any better. 101 is what the thermometer says and my whole body hurts. What can I do to beat this thing and get back to work and play? Of course take my meds but what else can I do for some relief?

Drink up. The flu can leave you dehydrated, especially if fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. So be sure to get enough fluids. Water is fine. So are fruit juices, soda, and electrolyte beverages. You may want to stay away from caffeinated drinks, because caffeine is a diuretic.

Sip some soup. For generations, caring parents have been serving chicken soup to kids with colds and flu. But was mom right? Possibly. A 2000 study published in the journal "Chest" showed that chicken soup may help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

Be a couch potato. The advice may be clichéd, but it’s sound: Listen to your body. If it’s telling you not to exercise, don’t. If it’s urging you to spend all day in bed, do. Don't press on with daily responsibilities even in the face of severe cold or flu symptoms.

Pitch a tent. Need a quick way to open clogged airways? Bring a pot of water to a boil and remove it from the heat. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the water under the “tent,” breathing deeply through your nose for 30 seconds

 Be a sucker. Cough drops, throat lozenges, and hard candy can be surprisingly effective at easing a cough or sore throat.

Line up a caregiver. A caregiver can’t lower your temperature or cure a sore throat, but having someone to tuck you into bed and bring you fluids is very comforting.  If a friend or family member offers to help, even if it’s only to stop by and check in on you, count your blessings and take them up on it.

Hope these simple remedies see you to a speedy recovery. I'll be wraped in a blanket killing terrorists on Call Of Duty and sipping 7-up until my meds take hold. Blah!