WMBD/WYZZ-TV—PEORIA--If you begin to experience flu symptoms this season you may want to wait before you rush to the Emergency Room.

Local doctors say you can save yourself a trip to the E.R. by knowing which symptoms require medical attention, and which you can treat yourself.

O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center Medical Doctor A.J. Cummings said common flu symptoms are,  “High fevers, cough, dry cough, sore throat, achy, [and] runny nose.”

While the onset of all of these symptoms at once may have you feeling miserable enough to head to the E.R. doctors say that may not be necessary.

Dr. Cummings said, “Sometimes they may not need any treatment, but just some reassurance that it's the flu and some recommendation for home treatment and we let them go.”

For the aches and pains that come with the flu Methodist Medical Center Medical Doctor, Jared Rogers recommends, “Over the counter Ibuprofen, Aleve, those types of things, decongestants are useful.”

Dr. Marianne Hoyle with The Family Wellness Institute says there are natural ways to recover.

Dr. Hoyle said, “How you do that is by taking enzymes, there's pancreatic enzymes, there's plant enzymes, Epson salt baths are great and easy for everyone to use at home.”

You can also help your body release the toxins that welcome the flu by adding a natural cleanser to the water you drink.

Dr. Hoyle said, “Lemon water, lemon is the best cleaner, we use it for laundry, we use it for cleaning all the time it's also one of the best internal cleansers that you can use.”

Still, doctors say there are flu symptoms that you should never try to treat on your own.

Dr. Cummings said, “If they're vomiting to the point where they can't hold down fluids, if they're starting to feel like they have a dry mouth, feel like they're getting dehydrated, having an unusual amount of pain anywhere.”

If you have the flu, doctors ask that you take this advice:

Dr. Cummings said, “If you do have the flu, what you should do is try not to go around other people, it's very catchy and tending to spread if you can, stay home.”

While the flu usually only lasts 24 hours, this year doctors say it's lasting anywhere between 7 to 10 days.