How Does the Flu Affect the Body's Immune System?

When the seasonal flu started making its way around there is usually an onslaught of sore throats, coughs, and sniffles – and getting the flu may feel unavoidable. The question is, does constant exposure to everyday infections such as colds or the flu weaken or make the immune system stronger?

Our immune systems have memory, meaning that if you have previously been exposed to an infectious bug, a virus for example, then certain immune cells remember what that particular virus looks like. It will continue to circulate in the body fluids and blood, ready to trigger a rapid immune response should they meet it again. The same principle holds true for the flu vaccination – however, with the flu jab there is no need to risk a serious infection with a virus or bacterium to develop a memory of it.

The best way to prevent getting the seasonal flu is to get an annual flu vaccination at your local pharmacy before flu season starts.

How long does it take the immune system to recover after flu?

Individuals typically make a full recovery within 2 weeks of first getting the flu. Even though your body fought off the infection successfully, you still may not feel 100% for up to 2 weeks after being infected. Most of your symptoms have probably subsided by this point, but it's common to feel tired and weak while your body recovers from influenza.

Flu Treatment

Over-the-counter flu-relieving medicines and home remedies are the most effective treatments to relieve symptoms of coughing, congestion, body aches, fever, and other conditions. Make sure to stay hydrated, sleep a lot, and use home remedies such as herbal teas or a steamy shower to relieve symptoms.

Best flu relieving tablets: For fever and body aches takepain relievers like Benylin.

Best flu relieving syrup: Flu medicine for coughs and flu symptoms can be managed with syrups.

Best flu relieving powder: To treat all flu symptoms try.

Theraflu Severe Cold and Flu Medicine: Hot Liquid Powder.

If you’ve come down with the flu, drop into any of our Pearl Chemist Group branches for all of your over-the-counter remedies. Flu vaccine services are available in Wimbledon,Earlsfield, Streatham, Wandsworth, and Banstead.