Cold, flu & influenza, and learn how to help your body heal itself. It is always the season for this buggy little virus.
The common cold and the flu are both viruses which involve the upper respiratory system. While some symptoms are similar, the flu's side effects are much more severe than the common cold.
INFLUENZA
Influenza, more commonly referred to as "the flu," is a contagious virus most common between fall and spring, when temperatures and immune systems are at their lowest. The flu is spread through direct contact and airborne germs, which are released into the air through coughing and sneezing. This virus usually affects large amounts of people who share the same environment.
PREVENTION
The easiest and most effective way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu shot before November, when the flu season begins. Flu strains change from year to year, so an annual shot is recommended. Washing your hands frequently and keeping a safe distance from flu sufferers can also help stave off influenza.
SYMPTOMS
Flu symptoms generally develop within 48 hours of exposure and are more severe than cold symptoms. Fevers usually subside after 4 days, but fatigue and other symptoms can hang on for weeks. Common symptoms include:
Fever above 101-degrees
Shaking, severe chills
Sore throat
Dry cough
Muscle aches or pains
Fatigue
Weakness
Nasal congestion
Headache
TREATMENT
The best treatment for influenza is rest and fluids. Doctors advise plenty of bed rest, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, and as many liquids as you can handle. Stay away from caffeine during illness, and try drinking vitamin rich teas, which can help to soothe sore throats and congestion, as well. Watered down juices work well with small children.
FLU DRUGS have recently hit the market and are available in inhalation and pill form. These new drugs are the first of their kind, aimed at shortening the duration of influenza.
THE COMMON COLD
The common cold is the most diagnosed, frequent infection in all age groups today. There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds, which is why they're hard to avoid. Cold symptoms run their course in 1-3 days, and most congestion clears within 10 days.
PREVENTION
Wash your hands frequently. Avoid sharing utensils and common items, like the telephone, with those who are already infected with a cold.
SYMPTOMS
Full-feeling in head
Sore throat
Runny nose
Chest congestion
Sneezing
Cough
Watery eyes
Headache
Fatigue
TREATMENT
Except in the elderly, frail or newborns, colds are not especially dangerous. Colds generally cure themselves in 7-10 days and don't require special treatment, other than rest. You can ease aches and pains with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most doctors recommend plenty of rest and lots of fluids. Nasal congestion can be treated temporarily with antihistamines and decongestants.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR COLDS AND FLUS
DRINKING hot beverages will not only help to soothe dry, irritated throats, but can also aid in relieving nasal congestion. Ginger tea is a highly recommended therapy as is plain-old hot water.
GARGLING with salt water can help to relieve dry, scratchy throats.
NATURAL remedies like zinc, garlic, echinacea and vitamin C have proven themselves as capable immune system boosters. Nutritionists have been prescribing high level, short term dosages of zinc for years, which is said to shorten the duration of the common cold.
ACCUPRESSURE has been used with some success in treating colds and flus. Accupressure may help to stimulate your body to expel the virus more rapidly. Accupressure points around the eyes help to drain congested nasal passages.
MAGNETIC therapy has been used to some extent to help relieve aches and pains, particularly those which involve back, leg and head pain.
WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR
If cold symptoms seem to hang on for longer than two weeks, it's time to see the doctor. You may be suffering from allergies or other, more serious diseases.
If your flu brings about a temperature above 104-degrees, a doctor's visit is in order.
If you contract a cold while pregnant, do not use OTC medications. Contact your doctor, who will advise you on the best plan of action.
MYTHS
YOU CANNOT get a cold from going out in cold weather. Colds and flus are viruses, which are spread from one person to another.
THE FLU SHOT cannot give you the flu. Since the shot itself does not contain any live viruses, it is impossible for anyone to contract the flu from the vaccine.
ANTIBIOTICS are not effective in treating a cold or the flu.
