The 2015 flu season offers up a bad news/good news scenario: the bad news – according for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its weekly flu update – is that the latest version of the flu continues to spread across much of the United States and is increasing in intensity as it goes. Even worse, the CDC recently stated that flu activity is expected to continue and the outlook is grim, especially in states that have yet to register significant flu activity. The outlook for the flu therefore will get worse before there is any improvement. Although the vaccine has not worked as well as hoped, CDC health officials continue to taut its benefits. The flu vaccine is still effective as a way to prevent infection against some flu-strains and flu-related complications.

The good news is that even if individuals take the time to get vaccinated against the flu, good ‘ol common sense can still do wonders when it comes to staying healthy during flu season. So even with no cure in sight for colds and flu, the natural approach that grandmother may have bragged about might do just as much or more as a flu vaccine:

Rest is best

When those flu or cold symptoms start to send warning signals racing through the body, the best idea is rest. Allowing the body to rest helps it direct its energy towards getting better. Help it get better by lying down. Preferably under a blanket.

Nose blowing and hand washing

Just to clarify: when feeling sick or displaying cold and flu symptoms , practice consistent hand washing even if not blowing the nose. Hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs. Nose blowing keeps the flow of mucus running out of the head. Sniffling the mucus back into nose might seem like a time-saver. There are some reading this who might even think it looks tough or cool. But let smarter heads prevail and blow the nose consistently. And speaking of which, nose blowing too hard can cause eardrums to pop, so blow gently.

Do not forget an extra pillow

Sometimes nose blowing just does not work because the nasal passages are blocked. Keeping one’s head at an angle while lying down may help considerably with the drainage of nasal passages. Consider also: if thehead is at too much of a angle it will be difficult to sleep, plus it will cause a sore neck, so try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more subtle incline.

Gargle, gargle, gargle

A teaspoon of salt dissolved in hot water with which you’ll gargle three-to-four-times daily. Gargling moistens the throat and brings temporary relief. A mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar has been known to work wonders as well. Another recipe that was big in the old country involved two cups of hot water with one tablespoon of lemon juice or raspberry leaves, with one teaspoon of honey. And remember, honey should never be given to infants.

Do not fly unless necessary
Since grandma may never have flown on an airplane she may not have mentioned this, but if she did, she would no doubt say that a change in cabin pressure – the type experienced during on take-offs and landing – does absolutely nothing for respiratory systems or eardrums (which are probably blocked anyway). For those who must fly, a blast of nasal spray may help as might a decongestant.

There is no escaping the fact that the flu is no fun. It is Mother Nature’s way of crashing the party going on in a body. Ignoring cold and flu symptoms can lead to more serious conditions. Do the right thing and get a flu shot if possible and if not stick to the basics as a way of staying upright and out of bed.