Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infectious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs).

People who suffer from influenza could expect that the illness shall go away of its own within a time span of 7 to 10 days but meanwhile certain steps could be taken to feel better such as:

1. Extra bed rest can help you feel better and also avoid spreading the flu virus to others.

2. You need to drink plenty of water or fluids so as to replace the amount lost due to fever. Fluids shall also ease scratchy throat to keep the nasal mucus thin and therefore hot tea with lemon, water, fruit juices and soups are good choice.

3. If the fever persists and is uncomfortable, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help out. You can even use sponge with lukewarm water upon your body so as to reduce fever. This is just to help you to be more comfortable during fever.

4. In order to get relieve of body aches or headaches, you can go for aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen but this should be taken when prescribed by the doctor.

5. If stuffy nose is troubling you, then a nasal decongestant spray could be used to get relieve faster.

6. You need to breathe moist air from a hot shower or a sink filled with hot water to help clear stuffy nose.

7. You should avoid intake of antihistamines as they could make the nasal drainage thicker and doesn't treat flu symptoms.

8. In case the skin around your nose and lips turns sore from rubbing of tissues then you can apply a bit of petroleum jelly.

9. A non prescribed cough medicine containing dextromethorphan could be taken that shall help to develop a dry, hacking cough.

10. You can elevate your head at night with an extra pillow if coughing makes you awake.

11. Don't smoke or breathe secondhand smoke while you are suffering from cold or flu infections.