Home > Colds and Flu
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 A helps heal the inflamed mucous
membranes and strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin C
Some studies have shown that vitamin C reduces
the duration, but not the incidence of common cold in adults and children.
However, for adults under high stress, vitamin C supplement can reduce the
incidence of cold significantly. Vitamin C also helps to boost the
immune system.
Zinc lozenges
Zinc lozenges
reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Zinc
lozenges are most effective if taken within 24 hours of developing the
cold symptoms.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that boosts the immune
system to fight against the cold virus. It stimulates the production
of white blood cells and antiviral substances such as interferon, and
enhances the ability of immune cells to engulf the virus. Echinacea
is more effective if taken immediately when symptoms appear. It also
reduces the duration and severity of common cold.
Astragalus
A Chinese herb that boosts the immune system
with antiviral properties. Chinese studies show that taking
Astragalus long-term prevents common cold, and helps the body to recover
from illnesses.
Elderberry
These berries contain compounds that inhibit the enzyme flu viruses use to penetrate the cell membranes.
An Israeli study shows that taking elderberry extract as soon as symptoms
appear reduces the duration of flu by half.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil can be used to reduce
nasal congestion, relax the airways and reduce headache.
Source Naturals, Zinc Lozenges (w/ vit C)
Nature's Way, Echinacea, Standardized
(use code "WAN045" - get $5 off your first order)
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