Every year as winter arrives people all over the country suffer from colds and flu, both of which are highly contagious infections caused by viruses.

Flu symptoms vary from fever, body aches, dry cough and extreme tiredness to overall discontent.

Flu affects the whole body, not just the respiratory system, and it makes the body more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections.

One way to combat flu before it strikes is to take preventative immune-boosting supplements available from pharmacies or your doctor and be sure that you are in good health at the onset of winter through good, healthy living and getting enough rest.

Antiviral medications are also effective in treating flu; these are prescription medications that actively attack the flu virus and stop it from spreading to the rest of your body.

For antiviral medication to be effective it is highly recommended that you use the medication within the first 12–48 hours of noticing flu symptoms.

Here are some additional useful tips for combating flu as well as some tips for boosting your immune system and what not to do when suffering from flu symptoms:

• Fluids are essential. Drinking lots of water ensures that the mucous membranes stay moist which better allow them to repel viruses. Stay away from alcoholic beverages as these dehydrate the body. Liquids also provide nutrients you need if you are too sick to eat.
• Apple and dark grape juices are recommended as they have properties that work against congestion and runny nose. Other juices that are helpful in combating the flu are pear, cranberry and pomegranate juice.
• Fizzy drinks could agitate you as the gas from the drink going into the stomach can increase nausea and are thus not recommended
• Eating small meals which are high in nutrients are easier for your body to digest. Big meals mean that your body requires more energy for digestion, hence liquids also being easier to digest when sick.
• Eat healthy foods like lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Chicken soup has been found to have certain medicinal qualities that effectively help relieve certain symptoms — this is not just an old wives tale used by mom's around the world.
• An alternative method to soothing sore throats is to use zinc lozenges and a zinc nasal spray to treat a runny nose.
• Supplement your diet with good quality vitamins, minerals and immune boosters — ask your doctor or Clicks pharmacist for advice on which of these is best for you.
• Get enough sleep. Your body's restorative powers are most active when sleeping.
• Don't exercise when you are sick as this will result in you burning more energy which your body could use better for recovery. This is especially true if the flu has spread to your chest. Exercising in this condition can place severe strain on your heart.
• Herbs such as echinacea, elderflower, goldenseal and garlic, boost your immune system and act as natural antibiotics against viruses, bacteria and even fungi
• Vitamin C and antioxidants are powerful immune boosters.
• Other common methods include tea with honey and sage leaves.
• To treat headaches or nasal congestion try soaking your feet in hot water.
• For tired and aching muscles use a warm heated pad to soothe the ache and fatigue. Get a loved one to give you a back rub as this may help activate the immune system to fight the flu.

Remember that looking after yourself, eating and drinking healthily, and avoiding strenuous exercise when you have flu is vital to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible.