The best things to give someone with the flu are plenty of fluids, fever-reducing medication, rest, and comfort measures that ease their worst symptoms. Most people recover within one to two weeks without prescription treatment, but antivirals prescribed within the first 48 hours can shorten the illness. What you provide at home makes a real difference in how miserable those days feel.
Fluids Are the Top Priority
Fever, sweating, and reduced appetite all pull water and electrolytes out of the body fast. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons a routine flu case turns into something more serious, especially in young children and older adults. Your goal is to keep fluids going in steadily, even when the person doesn’t feel thirsty.
Water is the obvious starting point, but it’s not always enough on its own. Broth-based soups, oral rehydration drinks, diluted juice, and electrolyte beverages all help replace the sodium and potassium lost through sweat and fever. Warm liquids like herbal tea or chicken broth have an added benefit: they soothe a sore throat and help loosen nasal congestion. Avoid large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, both of which can worsen dehydration. If the person can only manage small sips, offer them frequently rather than waiting for them to drink a full glass.
Fever and Pain Relief
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are the two go-to options for bringing down fever and easing the body aches that make the flu so uncomfortable. Either one works well for adults. For children, both are available in infant and pediatric formulations, and either is a safe choice at the correct dose for the child’s weight.
One critical rule: never give aspirin to children or teenagers with the flu. Aspirin use during a viral illness is linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. Stick with acetaminophen or ibuprofen for anyone under 19.
Cough, Congestion, and Sore Throat
Honey is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for cough and sore throat. A systematic review published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that honey reduced both cough frequency and cough severity compared to usual care, performing as well as or better than many over-the-counter cough suppressants. A spoonful stirred into warm tea or taken straight works well for adults and children over one year old. (Honey should never be given to babies under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.)
For nasal congestion, saline nasal spray or drops help thin mucus without any medication. A cool-mist humidifier in the room can also ease coughing and congestion. Mayo Clinic notes that cool-mist models are the safer choice for children, and some research suggests heated humidifiers may not help cold and flu symptoms as much. Keep the humidifier clean to prevent mold buildup.
Over-the-counter decongestants and multi-symptom cold and flu products can offer short-term relief for adults, but read labels carefully to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen if you’re already giving it separately for fever.
Food and Nutrition
Appetite usually drops during the flu, and that’s normal. Don’t force large meals. Instead, offer small, easy-to-digest foods when the person feels up to eating. Chicken soup isn’t just a comfort tradition: the warm broth delivers fluids and sodium, and the steam helps open nasal passages. Toast, crackers, bananas, and rice are gentle on an upset stomach.
If nausea or vomiting is a major symptom, start with clear liquids and plain crackers before progressing to anything heavier. The priority is keeping fluids down first, food second.
Zinc and Vitamin C
Zinc lozenges started within the first day or two of symptoms may shorten how long the illness lasts. A meta-analysis of six studies found that zinc lozenges reduced cold duration by about 2.25 days compared to placebo, with most participants also reporting less severe symptoms. The evidence is stronger for the common cold than for influenza specifically, but the mechanism of action is similar enough that many clinicians consider it a reasonable option.
Vitamin C has a more modest effect. Regular supplementation reduces cold duration by about 8% in adults, which translates to roughly half a day less of symptoms. Taking large doses after you’re already sick doesn’t appear to help much. If the person already takes vitamin C daily, it may offer a small benefit. Starting it mid-flu is unlikely to make a noticeable difference.
Prescription Antivirals
Four prescription antiviral medications are currently approved for treating the flu. The most widely used is oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a pill or liquid taken twice daily for five days. The newest option, baloxavir (Xofluza), requires only a single dose, which can be more convenient. Both work best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms, typically reducing the illness by about one day.
Not everyone needs antivirals. Doctors generally reserve them for people at higher risk of serious complications. That includes adults 65 and older, children under 2, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. People with a BMI of 40 or higher and those who’ve had a stroke are also on the high-risk list. If someone you’re caring for falls into any of these groups, contact their doctor early, even if symptoms seem mild. The CDC recommends prompt antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals with suspected flu.
Rest and Comfort
This sounds obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: the person needs real rest, not “working from the couch” rest. Sleep is when the immune system does its heaviest repair work. Keep the room cool and comfortable, provide extra blankets for chills, and let them sleep as much as their body wants.
An extra pillow to elevate the head can help with postnasal drip and nighttime congestion. If the air in your home is dry, running a humidifier in the bedroom overnight makes breathing easier.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Care
Most flu cases resolve on their own, but some develop into dangerous complications like pneumonia. In adults, seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, persistent chest or abdominal pain, confusion, dizziness that won’t go away, seizures, or not urinating. A fever or cough that seems to improve and then suddenly gets worse is also a red flag, as it can signal a secondary infection.
In children, watch for fast or labored breathing, bluish lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, refusal to walk due to muscle pain, or signs of dehydration like no urine for eight hours, a dry mouth, or no tears when crying. For any infant under 12 weeks with a fever, seek care immediately regardless of other symptoms.