How IV Therapy Can Treat Flu Symptoms
What is IV Therapy?
November 4, 2020
Main Types of IV Fluids
December 8, 2020
That first sign of flu fills you with dread. Your nose starts dripping, or a chill runs through your body, and you know that it’s just a matter of time before you’re down for the count. The flu can last a few days to a week or more, which is a long time to feel miserable. One way you may find relief is by turning to an IV for flu symptoms.
Flu Symptoms to Watch For
Before taking an IV, you’ll want to better understand the flu and its symptoms to help you decide if IV therapy is right for you.
Influenza, or the flu, affects the respiratory system. Flu season reaches its peak in fall and winter, but year-round cases aren’t uncommon.
The flu is contagious and spreads easily. This is mainly through close contact with infected people. When infected people speak, sneeze, or cough, the virus travels on their respiratory droplets in the air. You can get infected, too, if those droplets land in your nose or mouth. It’s also possible to contract the flu after touching a contaminated surface with flu germs and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. People are often contagious a day before they ever show symptoms and can infect others for up to seven days after that.
According to a study published in “Clinical Infectious Diseases,” about 3% to 11% of Americans contract the symptomatic flu each year. Complications range from mild to severe, and in some cases, the flu can be fatal. A case of the flu can also lead to serious health complications, such as ear or sinus infections, pneumonia. It can also cause increased risks for people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure.
Flu symptoms usually come on without warning. They may be intense or feel manageable, but they can last for days, depending on the severity of your virus. Common flu symptoms include:
- Runny or congested nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Achy muscles
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Chills or fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
It can be difficult to know if you have a cold or flu because they share similar symptoms. However, flu symptoms generally take more of a toll than milder cold symptoms. You can receive a flu test at your doctor’s office if you’re unsure what kind of bug you may have.
Health officials urge the public to get their flu shots at the beginning of flu season, but flu shots don’t work retroactively and won’t help if you’ve already come down with the flu. You can take prescription antiviral drugs to ease symptoms, but timing is everything because you need to take them early on, when you start feeling sick, for maximum effectiveness.
If medications aren’t doing the trick and you’re wondering how to shorten the flu and its effects on your body, that’s when IV therapy can come to your rescue. IV therapy can assist in the symptomatic management of dehydration, chronic medical conditions, and flu symptoms such as headaches, body aches and nausea.
How Does An IV Help the Flu?
Intravenous (IV) therapy offers an easy way to receive relief fast. A medical professional will administer the IV drip into your arm, delivering fluids directly into the bloodstream, so they get to work immediately. IV fluids may include vitamins and medications, and you can customize them according to your specific needs.
A qualified medical professional will perform the IV therapy, but first, they will conduct a brief exam, get your medical history, and ask about any symptoms you are experiencing. You can relax and stay comfortable while the drip is administered, which typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Afterward, you can resume your normal activities.
If you’re wondering, will IV fluids help with the flu? The answer is yes. A flu IV treatment may shorten the duration of your flu or reduce the severity of your symptoms. It can also provide valuable hydration, especially if you are suffering from a stomach flu and losing fluids from vomiting, having diarrhea, or sweating out a fever.
You can receive hydration from a standard IV. You can also add supplements that help ease the discomfort of the flu. Vitamin C, ascorbic acid gives your body the antioxidants it needs to recharge and get back up to full strength. Glutathione is another potent antioxidant that helps boost your immune system so that it can fight off viruses. You can also add Toradol (ketorolac) to your IV for flu, reducing the inflammation that is causing your body aches and pains.
Another great choice for IV therapy is the Myers’ Cocktail if you’re suffering from the flu. This supercharged combination of vitamins and glutathione lifts your energy and reduces the fatigue that’s so common with the flu. There are several of Myer’s Cocktail benefits. The vitamins and electrolytes help support the immune system. It includes magnesium, which is often touted for its flu-busting ability, anti-inflammatory properties, and the boost it gives the immune system. You will feel more energized and alert, which can be a relief if you’ve been lying in bed with nasty flu symptoms. Best of all, these IVs can have an immediate effect because the fluids go right to your bloodstream.
At Mobile IV Nurses, our Myers’ Cocktail IVs come in two options: a 0.9% Sodium Chloride (normal saline) solution and a Lactated Ringer’s solution. Each Myers’ Cocktail contains the following blend:
- B Complex
- B12
- Magnesium
- Glutathione (200 mg)
- Vitamin C (1,000 mg)
We also offer a Ultimate Myers’ Cocktail IV with the same two solution options as well as:
- B Complex
- B12
- Magnesium
- Glutathione (1,000 mg)
- Vitamin C (6,000 mg)
Mobile IV Nurses—Your Best Choice for IV for Flu
At Mobile IV Nurses, we’re experts in helping ease flu symptoms with IV therapy. Our team includes registered nurses and paramedics, who are highly skilled and trained in administering IV therapy with compassionate patient care.
The last thing you want to do when you’re sick is to get out of bed and go to your doctor or an urgent care clinic. The flu is exhausting, and you’re not in any condition to travel anywhere outside your house.
That’s why Mobile IV Nurses is your best choice for treatment. We come to you wherever you are. Our prompt, reliable service focuses on keeping you relaxed and comfortable during IV therapy. Our medical professionals stand by to keep an eye on you while the IV drip does its work. All you need to do is rest.
The flu isn’t fun, but Mobile IV Nurses can help you feel better. Check out our affordable pricing packages and schedule an appointment with us today.
