There are two simple ways to ease flu symptoms as cases skyrocket across the US.
Both the New Year and flu season are underway, with the CDC predicting some 7.5 million Americans have had the flu so far this winter, as per NPR.
The dominant strain right now is Influenza A, a fast-spreading, mutated H3N2 strain called ‘subclade K.’
It is thought to be responsible for a global surge of hospital admissions, with countries including the UK, Australia, and Japan reporting overwhelming numbers of infections.
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The US is no exception to the rule; CDC data shows that hospital admissions for flu have almost doubled in just one week.
Last week, more than 19,000 patients with influenza were admitted to hospitals, up about 10,000 from the previous week.
One hard-hit state, New York, recorded its largest ever amount of cases in a single week, at 71,000 cases.
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States in the northeast, midwest and south are also seeing high levels of flu.
While the flu shares symptoms with the common cold, it typically strikes more suddenly and causes more severe illness.
Influenza symptoms include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, cough and sore throat, sometimes with a runny or blocked nose.
Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, warns it's 'not an infection you should take lightly.'
Ease flu symptoms for free
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There are two simple ways to tackle flu symptoms - sometimes, less really is more.
Mayo Clinic advises, firstly, drinking plenty of fluids.
This includes, of course, tap water, which is basically free.
But warm soup and drinks that contain minerals, called rehydration solutions, are also recommended.
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The second action you can take is equally as important; rest.
Taking it easy and canceling or changing your plans is a must.
In the meantime, it's also important to contact a physician, especially if you have underlying health conditions that make you more vulnerable to the flu.
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Krammer explains that there are effective treatment options, especially when started with 48 hours of infection.
"If you get an infection with influenza, that's really a reason to see a physician, get diagnosed, and then take next steps," he adds.
Mayo Clinic also advises taking Tylenol or ibuprofen like Advil to help lower fever and soften muscle or headaches.
Most people feel better within a week of becoming infected with the flu, the clinic adds, although coughing may last for another one or two weeks.
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If you have any concerns, contact your doctor right away.
Ellie Kemp