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Colds and
Flu
Common cold
and flu are probably the most common viral infections. Common cold
is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, throat and large
airways. Flu (influenza) is a viral infection that causes fever,
running nose, cough, headache, a feeling of illness (malaise) and
inflammation of the lining of the nose and airways.
Although the
outbreaks of common cold and flu usually occur in the fall and winter, the
illness is not caused by the weather. The higher incidence of cold
and flu in cold weather is primarily due to the fact that most cold and
influenza viruses thrive in colder temperature. Common cold and flu
spread easily from person to person through infected droplets in the air.
Almost all children and adults will catch the cold or flu once or twice in
a year.
The symptoms
of common cold include head congestion, nasal congestion, sore throat,
coughing, headache, sneezing and watery eyes, sometimes accompanied by
low-grade fever. Flu differs from cold and is caused by different
types of viruses. The symptoms of flu are much more severe,
including chills, fever, severe aches and pains, a feeling of illness,
cough and bronchitis that last for several weeks. Complications of
flu can lead to pneumonia, ear infections and sinus problems.
Children, elderly and those with weak immune system are more susceptible
to colds and flu.
The best way
to treat colds and flu is bed rest. Although they can not be cured
by drugs, some medications such as analgesics, antihistamines, cough
medicines, and decongestants can help to relieve the symptoms.
Antibiotics should only be prescribed when there is secondary bacterial
infection. Prevention is always better than cure. Some health
food supplements can strengthen the immune system to prevent the infection
in the first place or shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of
common colds and flu if taken early during the infection.
Food
supplements for common colds and flu:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Zinc lozenges
Echinacea
Astragalus
Asian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng
Licorice root
Elderberry
Peppermint
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