Have you ever wondered why you get a cold or tend to sneeze more when you are emotionally troubled? If you haven’t realized it yet, it is true that stress can cause flu or influenza can leave you stressed. It can be both ways around.
Are Stress And Flu Linked?
Stress, directly, cannot cause flu. Viruses cause flu, and stress lets those microbes take advantage of your body, weakening your immune system. This leads to stress making a cold worse. In fact, being pessimistic can lead you to experience longer episodes of flu.1
How Does Flu Stress Happen?
Fight or Flight Response: In stress, the body initiates the “fight or flight response,” which means that either we have to fight for our problem or run from the problem. This tendency secretly releases specific hormones in the body that help in delivering energy. The amount of energy available in the body is fairly constant, and when we face a stressful situation, our body needs more energy. This makes the body suppress all vital processes and the body shifts all the energy where we need to feel protected.2
Immunity: Unfortunately, our immune system, which is one of those vital systems, also suffer and the viruses in our body wreak havoc, resulting in influenza. However, there are conflicting notions about it. While some studies say that chronic stress negatively affects stress, some studies have actually found that stress can enhance immunity in certain cases.3 4
How You Can Protect Yourself From Flu Stress
You can protect and prevent yourself from a flu stress easily by following certain home remedies. However, if you are already suffering from one, you can always treat it as well. Read on to learn more about the prevention and treatment of flu stress.
Before Suffering From Flu Stress
To reduce the chances of getting flu stress, the key is to make your immune system stronger.
1. Lemon
Rich in vitamin C, having fresh lemon juice daily is an effective way to strengthen your immune system. Use lemon wherever possible: use a lemon vinaigrette for your salad dressing, have lemon juice with warm water after lunch, or simply drink lemon juice every time you come back home from school or work.
2. Honey
Honey is a natural, pure, and immediate source of energy. Just take 1 spoonful of honey every day in the morning and rejuvenate yourself in as less time as 15 minutes. Honey increases the erythrocytes efficiency in the body and helps you fight viruses easily. Just add 1 tablespoon honey to a cup of water and once it dissolves, drink the water. It is highly beneficial if you drink this solution 15 minutes before having a meal.
3. Lemon And Honey
When you combine the energy of honey with the vitamin C of lemon, it is even better! Just throw the peel of the lemon away and cut the fruit into pieces. Mix the pieces with as much honey as you like and eat them to boost your immunity.
4. Garlic
Garlic has amazing antibiotic properties. Have garlic any way you like. If you don’t like munching on raw garlic, dip it in honey and have it. You can also add garlic to your salads, soups, and stir fries.
After Getting Flu Stress
If you haven’t taken enough care of your immune system and have got affected by flu stress, treating it is necessary.
1. Aspirin
Taking aspirin is especially helpful when flu causes fever and pain in the body. However, it might have serious side effects, so consult a doctor before you take an aspirin tablet.
2. Antibiotics
Only if the flu has got intolerable, taking antibiotics is helpful. Try to limit your medicine consumption to just aspirin. However, if you are suffering from severe influenza, consult a doctor and ask your doctor if you need to take antibiotics.
3. Water
Always drink water in enormous quantities when you suffer from a flu. This helps in getting rid of the viruses through sweat and urine. Drink at least 3 liters of water every day. Try to drink more and even if you cannot do it, force yourself to drink more water. Your body will then easily be able to fight the germs and force them out through your excretory system.
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