Western and Desi Ways To Avoid the Flu This Winter
DESI “The people, culture, and products of the Indian subcontinent”
Wash your hands as frequently as possible.
Using soap to wash your hands as much as possible is a good way of staying hygienic and avoiding the flu. If you are going to be outdoors, carrying hand sanitizer is highly recommended.
Do not touch your face.
If you know you are out or might be carrying germs on your hands, avoid touching your face. Touching your hands close to your mouth, nose, or eyes might lead you to catch the cold and flu. This includes biting your nails.
Get more sleep.
Your body cells repair and heal themselves when you are asleep. Your cells get more strength to focus on killing the germs when you are resting and not doing any other physical or mental activity.
Eat enough and eat healthy.
Not eating enough food for dieting purposes or eating junk food may reduce your immunity to fight against diseases. Get your veggies, fruits, and protein regularly.
Flu shot and medicines
Getting a flu shot every year is a great way to prevent the flu. Moreover, if you feel under the weather, taking paracetamol never hurts. This might prevent a minor cold from developing into severe flu.
Maintain distance from a sick person.
The easiest way of getting sick is by hanging around people who are sick. The germs get communicated very easily through air or physical contact. Make sure you are wearing a mask and keep your hands and body clean if you have to live around a sick person.
Stay hydrated and know when to see a doctor.
When you have the flu, your body loses fluids through sweating, fever, and congestion. Drinking plenty of water, warm soups, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks can help prevent dehydration and make you feel better. If you’re feeling ill, avoid alcohol and try to limit sugary drinks, as they can make dehydration worse.
While most people recover from the flu at home with rest and supportive care, some symptoms should not be ignored. Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, a high fever that doesn’t improve, severe dehydration, or if your symptoms improve and then suddenly return with a worsening fever or cough. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions should contact a healthcare provider early if they develop flu symptoms, as they have a higher risk of complications.
Traditional South Asian medicine
If you are already sick, here are some traditional South Asian homemade ways to cure it. This is also a healthy preventive measure.
Drink Turmeric milk
Add some turmeric and honey to milk, heat it up, and drink it warm. Turmeric is very effective against a cold. You can add a little chocolate powder to make it taste better.
Hot water steam
Inhaling hot water steam will unblock your nose. The heat will also help you sweat, which helps cure the flu and fever. Furthermore, adding vapor rubs or Vicks to the water before steaming helps for sure.
Drink herbal tea
Making some hot herbal tea always helps. Also, you can add honey, ginger, and lemon for better results.
Drink desi Kadha
This is the best and the most common way of curing a cold in India and other South Asian countries.
Here is a recipe to make desi Kadha.
Ingredients
Green cardamom
Ginger – 2 inches
Basil leaves (tulsi) – 10 to 12 leaves
Black cardamom – 2
Clove (lavag) – 4
Black pepper – 8-10
Cinnamon sticks – 2 inches
Bay leaves – 2
Step 1:
Crush 2 green cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon stick, basil leaves, and ginger in a traditional spice crusher.
Step2:
Add 1½ cup of water in a pan. Add bay leaves and crushed spices to the water. Boil the mixture on high heat till it is boiling completely then reduce the flame on the medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
Step 3:
Strain it into a cup and drink it warm.
This can help you prevent or recover from a cold or flu. Go ahead and try them for a better winter this year.
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This article was updated on July 15, 2026.