Forget Antibiotics

• Do not take antibiotics for the flu unless your doctor has found some specific reason that you should. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu virus and will only serve to weaken your immune system over the long term, according to TheSite.org.
  
  

Sleep

• Rest allows the body to get on with the healing process. The flu will likely make its sufferers feel like doing nothing but sleeping, and if that is an option for you then you should take advantage of it. Not getting enough rest is detrimental to the immune system, and the body will be unable to heal itself as quickly if it is suffering from exhaustion.
  Get at least eight hours of sleep per night, and take naps during the day if your particular situation will allow for it. If you have the luxury of staying in bed all day and only getting up for restroom breaks, eating and water, then you would be smart to do just that.
  
  

Water

• The flu can rob your body of fluids, so drinking plenty of water will not only replenish them but will also help your body flush out the toxins in your system. Always keep water within reach of where you tend to rest while you are sick. If you forget to put a bottle of water by the bed or couch, it may be difficult to persuade yourself to get up when you are thirsty. This will only lead to more dehydration and a prolonged recovery.
  
  

Aspirin

• Aches, pains and fever are common with the flu. Take a painkiller such as aspirin when your muscles ache or your temperature creeps up, according to TheSite.org. If you are taking other flu medications, check with your doctor to be sure it is OK to take them together.
  
  

H1N1 Recovery

• The H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) pandemic has led to many concerns over treatment and recovery from this strain of the disease. If you suspect you may have H1N1, report to your doctor immediately to be prescribed the necessary antiviral medication. Tamiflu and Relenza are the most common treatments for this strain of influenza, but they tend to work far better when they are administered soon after the first symptoms appear, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
  Call your doctor first to see if you can avoid going to the office for treatment. Sometimes doctors will provide symptom management via phone. If you do have to go to the office, keep contact with other people and surfaces to a minimum and go back home as soon as possible.
  Those patients with H1N1 should make an effort to remain at home and limit contact with other people. Always cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based gels frequently. Do not go out in public until the fever associated with the sickness is gone for at least 24 hours. Remain confined to one room and one bathroom if possible, and get plenty or rest. This type of flu usually passes within a week.