The flu illness has been rampant of late, and many people are worried about how they can address it. However, influenza can be managed with proper attention and care.

Recently, the First Lady doubling as the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, was reported to have suffered from COVID-19, an illness she has recovered from, according to President Museveni’s confirmation on January 1, 2024.

“Good news: Mama Janet has defeated Coronavirus. This morning, her samples were sent to Mbarara, and they were all negative. Thank you for your prayers,” President Museveni tweeted.

Whereas both flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. However, they share some similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue, according to Dr. Ignatius Asasira, a medical doctor and a National Vice Youth Chair at the UNESCO-Uganda National Commission.

Even if one may not be able to unclog a stuffy nose, having a positive attitude will help lower the fever first and foremost. Research has shown that many people forget how much emotions affect the way they feel themselves physically; therefore, having a positive mindset is very crucial.

Dr. Asasira said that medicating is important as there are several cold and flu tablets at pharmacies and drug shops that can help to deal with specific symptoms like nasal congestion, while others treat flu symptoms at once.

Dr. Asasira recommended the use of steam inhalation and eating healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables to provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system as it fights off the virus.

“If you have nasal congestion, use steam inhalation whenever there’s a need. Drink lots of warm drinks alongside home remedies like ginger and honey,” Dr. Asasira asserted.

As for babies with flu, he emphasised constant breastfeeding by their mothers.

“If the congestion is obstructing breastfeeding in a child, clean the nose with normal saline. Keep babies warm and breastfeed more frequently,” he said.

Dr. Asasira called for all to learn cough and flue etiquette such as sneezing in an elbow, having hankies, and wearing a facemask during flue episodes.

Many people are tempted to eat foods like ice cream and chips after contracting the flu, but health experts say that the body needs better nutrition to recover, so eating regular food is better in order to maintain strength.

Drinking a lot of water and fluids like juice and warm soup helps prevent dehydration since one of the symptoms of the flu is a high fever, which leads to sweating. Plenty of fluids will also help fight off the infection.

According to reports, water is better, but drinking herbal teas or tea with honey will also be helpful, as honey soothes a sore throat. Likewise, avoiding alcohol, coffee, and sodas is crucial.

Sleeping as much as possible is also advised by medical professionals in order to give the body enough recovery, even if most times it’s tempting to binge-watch movies through the whole night, but rest is the best medicine for fighting the flu.

Other remedies are using an extra pillow to drop your head in order to ease breathing, sleeping with a humidifier or vaporizer in the room if one can be found, and taking a hot bath or shower before going to bed.

For people who are at high risk of developing complications, ask doctors about antiviral drugs, which are only available by prescription.

Flu patients are, therefore, advised to stay home because medics say that the body needs energy to fight off the virus, adding that this helps to prevent the spreading of the flu to other people in the community or workplace.

Experts advise always disinfecting oneself, surfaces, and personal items to reduce the spread and to avoid close contact with people who have the flu.