Flu is a contagious illness known to be spread by the influenza virus through the air. Some of the common flu symptoms include fever, cough, cold, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, or even diarrhea. Certain home remedies, including some foods, can be used at home to relieve the symptoms. If symptoms do not improve in a few days, it is best to consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis.

Having elderberry
Eating elderberries can help in deactivating the flu virus and also help in boosting immunity naturally. Studies have shown that consuming 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days may help relieve the symptoms of the virus. If you have been experiencing sinus pain as well, then these berries can aid in reducing inflammation.

Doing a salt water gargle
This is an effective remedy to soothe a sore throat. Here’s what you need to do:

Take a glass of warm water and mix ½ tsp of salt with it.
Take a sip of this salt water and then pull this water at the back of the throat by looking up.
Gargle for 20-30 seconds, allowing the water to rinse your mouth and throat.
Spit it out into the sink and then repeat this process 2-3 times.

Do not swallow the water, but if you accidentally do, do not worry; start again and be careful. This helps in reducing inflammation and also helps with any throat pain caused due to inflammation.

Drink ginger tea
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, so it is recommended to sip ginger tea throughout the day. There are some other spices and herbs that are known to help, like cloves, turmeric, and even black pepper. Boil a cup of water and add some dried ginger and tea leaves to this boiling water and let it stew for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and black pepper, and drink this tea warm. You can make tea with just turmeric powder as well.

Practice steaming
This is one of the most effective ways to help reduce inflammation and allows for the opening of the breathing passage. Some even suggest adding essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, or cinnamon to the steaming water. These oils have natural antibiotic and antiviral properties that can help relieve flu symptoms. You can add these oils to a base oil like coconut or olive oil and take a relaxing head massage.

Have warm soup
Drinking warm broths and soups is one of the best ways to combat flu symptoms. Add herbs to your food like ginger, garlic, and turmeric for faster healing in the case of mild to average flu symptoms. Chicken or beef bone broth is known for its high sodium and potassium levels, which are needed to treat flu symptoms. Avoid adding too much salt to the broth, as it is naturally high in sodium. A well-brewed veg stock or soups of potato, pumpkin, or even leeks can be a good option for vegetarians.

Increase your zinc intake
Zinc is an important mineral that helps keep your immune system healthy, so including foods like lentils, shellfish, chickpeas, beans, seeds, dairy, nuts, eggs, red meat, and other foods rich in zinc is a recommended course of action. 

You should consult your doctor for a more detailed and personalized food regimen plan to help expedite recovery.