Earache

• Sit upright to alleviate swelling. Pain is aggravated by lying on the affected ear. Use a hair dryer to blow warm air into ear and soothe pain. Drop warm mineral or baby oil into the ear for pain relief. Yawning effectively alleviates pain by opening Eustachian tubes. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling and alleviate ear pain.
  
  

Flu

• Get adequate rest when fighting flu symptoms. Increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Gargle with saltwater to relieve the scratchiness of a sore throat. Use a room vaporizer to humidify the air. Raising room humidity levels helps alleviate dry coughs and moistens nasal passages. Use a heating pad to warm achy muscles and relieve pain. Soak your feet in hot water to alleviate nasal and head congestion. Rub petroleum jelly around the nostrils as a sealant and lubricant against frequent blowing and rubbing. Take over-the-counter pain medications directed at relieving flu symptoms to reduce fevers and relieve muscle aches.
  
  

Considerations

• Consult with a physician if earache persists for more than a few hours or days. Seek immediate attention if the pain is accompanied by a fever, severe headache or stiff neck. See a physician if flu symptoms are accompanied by trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, high fever and severe vomiting.