What foods to eat for the flu

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on March 25, 2025
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Influenza, also known as the flu, is primarily caused by the invasion of the respiratory tract by the influenza virus, resulting in symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fever. In traditional Chinese medicine, influenza is categorized as wind-heat lung heat disease or phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs syndrome. It is generally recommended that patients with the flu should consume light, heat-clearing, fire-reducing, and anti-inflammatory foods. It is best to avoid overly oily, salty, or sweet foods. Additionally, consuming foods primarily made from ingredients like dandelion, Andrographis paniculata, and wild chrysanthemum can clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, and have antibacterial effects, providing some supportive benefits for flu treatment.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Why is there a low fever after the flu?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is primarily due to an infection of the flu virus in our upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. After the influenza virus enters the human body, it replicates repeatedly. Post replication, the body's immune cells attempt to eliminate it. However, it is usually challenging for immune cells to completely clear the virus in one go. Therefore, many patients experience a prolonged period of low-grade fever or persistent abnormal body temperature after the flu. Generally, the course of the flu is about 10-14 days, and recovery is typically achievable, often with a complete resolution of fever. Thus, there is no need for excessive worry. Treatment can be effectively enhanced by using a combination of antiviral Chinese and Western medicines.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. What are the symptoms after contracting the flu? Typically, the onset of influenza is quite sudden, and symptoms such as chills, high fever, headache, dizziness, body aches, and fatigue can appear quickly. Generally, the symptoms in the nasopharyngeal area are relatively mild and prolonged, and may include sore throat, runny nose, tearing, coughing, etc. After contracting the flu, it is important to actively cooperate with medical treatment and also to ensure isolation to prevent infecting others.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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What is type B influenza?

Type B influenza is a type of epidemic influenza characterized by a rapid onset, feeling feverish and chilled. Body temperature usually rises quickly within hours, reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, or even higher. It is accompanied by headache, general body aches, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Its respiratory symptoms are relatively mild, including dry throat, sore throat, dry cough, and possibly diarrhea. Type B influenza is difficult to distinguish from the common cold and typically requires laboratory identification for diagnosis.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is the flu easily contagious?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. Typically, it starts suddenly with symptoms such as high fever, headache, fatigue, conjunctivitis, and widespread muscle pain. Respiratory symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose are relatively mild in comparison. The flu is mainly transmitted through contact and airborne droplets, and it is highly contagious among the general population. It also has a high incidence rate and can lead to outbreaks; if not properly controlled, it can pose a severe threat to human life.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

The incubation period refers to the time from when pathogenic microorganisms invade the human body to when symptoms appear. We call this the incubation period. The duration of the incubation period is related to the patient's resistance and the virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms. Generally speaking, the incubation period for influenza A is usually about 2-4 days, while for other types like influenza B and C, the incubation period can often reach 5-7 days. During the incubation period of influenza, patients often do not exhibit typical flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. The primary manifestations may be general malaise, such as muscle and skeletal pain, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is very easy to misdiagnose these symptoms as other diseases during the incubation period.