Smoking, in particular, weakens the body's defences allowing not only the flu but also other serious infections into the body. Keeping away from people who are coughing and sneezing is another good way of avoiding any infection. The virus particles are sprayed at about a hundred miles per hour for about thirty feet when someone sneezes or coughs. This means that people standing close to each other, for example on a crowded bus, are at risk of catching the virus from a complete stranger. However, there are ways of trying to ease the symptoms whilst your body naturally fights the infection.
Rest is the most important.
The body uses up a great deal of energy fighting infections so resting for the first couple of days gets it off to a good start. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen are very effective in lowering a high temperature and relieving headaches and muscle aches. Plenty of liquid is needed to replace that being lost by the body whilst it fights the infection. Hot water with fresh lemon, some ginger, and a spoonful of honey goes down very well. Advice on suitable remedies is available from the local pharmacist.