How to: Survive the flu

Tyler, TX (KETK) — This season's flu bug hasn't been selective. Now, some sick people have turned to different methods to get better. Most people tend to curl up on the couch and watch reruns to wait out the flu. While others, are mixing up their own remedies.

We asked experts which ones to take note of and which ones will only make your symptoms worse. Sara Upson, a registered dietician, said, "A lot of people have family traditions they pass down, or their mom knows something, or their friends know something and they just give it a try because pretty at that point when you're feeling sick you're willing to try anything." Emergen-C packets are a well-known preference, but researchers say Ester-C is more absorbable and useable by the body.

We've also heard of some new methods, such as a frozen slurpee or even hot sauce! Grace Ram, the owner of Whole Health in Tyler said, "taking hot sauce of course is filled with Chiles and that's your highest concentrated vitamin A and that's an infection fighter." Ram says when you're trying to relieve a sore throat, be cautious of foods like popsicles, because sugar can lower your immune system. She suggests, "Olive leaf, Oregano, mushrooms, those are deep immune system builders."

But, some people say Ginger, honey, lemon, and maybe even a shot of whiskey works wonders for the flu. Ram responded by saying, "Oh a hot toddy, they do make you feel good, I think it breaks up something in the chest, I have not a clue as to why it works or how it works."

Upson said, "Chicken soup kind of like what your mom and grandmother gave you, has actually been shown in clinical studies, to have anti-inflammatory effects and the sodium, potassium, and fluid in chicken soup can help maintain hydration, when you get the fluids it helps defend the mucus and decrease congestion."

While chicken soup might be your best bet and a hot toddy has no scientific proof, the universal recommendation for the flu, is rest.