Caused by the influenza virus, this produces multiple symptoms including fever, headache, joint pains and a stuffy or runny nose.

Treatment - Dietary

Eat and drink plenty of vitamin C - rich foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, blackcurrants, brussels sprouts and strawberries. Increase intake of zinc, found in lean meat, fish, wholegrain breads and cereals.

Aromatherapy

If others around you have flu, gaggle daily with 1 drop of tea tree and 1 drop of lemon in a glass of warm water. Stir well before each mouthful. To treat flu, gargle with 2 drops of tea tree and 2 drops of geranium in a glass of warm water. Stir well before each mouthful. If your nose is blocked or the chest is congested, inhalations using eucalyptus or peppermint are helpful.

Herbal

Boneset infusion is one of the best remedies for flu, relieving aches and fever and clearing congestion: pour a cup of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of the dried herb and infuse for 15 minutes. Drink as hot as possible several times daily.

Homeopathy

Every hour for 3 doses, repeat if needed:Tired and aching, heavy limbs and chills up and down the spine: Gelsemium 6c. With intense aching in the bones: Eupatorium perfoliatum 6c. Chilly and very sensitive to draughts, restless and wants to stretch: Rhus toxicodendron 6c. Heavy and aching, foul breath and diarrhea, confused and bewildered: Baptisia 6c.

Orthodox

Aspirin or paracetamol may be recommended to relieve aches and pains, but should never be given to children under 12. For those who become chronically ill with flu (the elderly, the disabled and the immune compromised) complications may arise which require antibiotics