Colds and flu - catch me if you can
Stephanie Brookes, Contributor, Jakarta
It is happening again, around this time of year you might notice people sneezing, wheezing and coughing.
You may find yourself digging through the medicine cabinet frantically searching for the vitamin C or that weird herbal remedy you tried last year. You might even be inclined to put your head in a basin of hot water and inhale eucalyptus vapors.
Whatever you do, one thing is for certain; you will probably go to any lengths to avoid catching a cold and feeling miserable.
The common cold
Colds are viral in nature and are usually transmitted through mucus in the air by coughing and sneezing. They can also be contracted through physical contact with an infected person, or even contact with something an infected person has recently touched. All it takes is a transfer of virally infected mucus from one person to another and you have caught a cold.
Even though the common cold typically lasts between four and seven days, sometimes it feels like ages before back to feeling normal again. The best treatment is prevention, so keep your immune system healthy by eating a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, and make sure you're getting enough sleep at night. Remember one of the best ways to prevent the spread of colds is to wash your hands regularly.
The human body is perfectly designed to get rid of a viral infection by natural means. One of these ways is via the nasal passage, therefore avoid taking nasal decongestant to relieve congestion, but let the mucus flow.
If prevention fails and you still manage to catch a cold, there are a large variety of supplements that you can try. Medication most certainly relieves cold symptoms, but no one particular drug really seems to cure the problem entirely.
Here are some tips to strengthen your immune system so your body can fight off the bugs and restore you to good health again:
Nutrients for the common cold * Take Vitamin C in large doses -- 5,000mg to 10,000mg daily in divided doses. (Vitamin C destroys the cold virus and is known as "ascorbic flush"). * Take supplementary herbs, such as Echinacea. This is very effective if taken at the onset of a cold or flue. Echinacea has antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also strengthens the immune system. * Ginseng helps strengthen the adrenal glands, battles colds, aids chest problems, promotes lung function and stimulates your appetite. * Zinc gluconate lozenges work well when taken at the first sign of a cold. * Eucalyptus oil - place five drops in a basin of boiling water, put a towel over your head and inhale the vapors. * Avoid dairy products. * Avoid refined sugar, fatty foods and processed packaged products. * Dress appropriately for the weather to avoid unnecessary stress on the body. This includes catering for cold air-conditioned restaurants, meeting rooms and public places. * Get lots of rest and do not become overtired.
Influenza, also known as 'the flu' Influenza is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is highly contagious. Individual strains of the virus are constantly changing, so vaccinations against influenza have only been partially successful. Outbreaks of influenza are very common, because the illness is spread easily by coughing and sneezing.
When you feel the flu coming on you usually experience head congestion, breathing difficulties, coughing, headache, fever, weakness, restlessness, sneezing, watery eyes and aching of the arms, legs and back.
Sometimes with the flu, you may feel feverish one moment, and then feel chills over your body the next. Most people have a dry throat and develop a cough, but the overwhelming sensation of the flu, is feeling very tired and listless.
Influenza itself is rarely fatal, but it can make a person more susceptible to pneumonia, ear infections and sinus related problems.
If you feel the flu coming on, then, of course, a trip to the doctor is necessary to rule out a chest or throat infection. If your cold develops and moves from the upper respiratory tract to the chest (lungs), then it is best to consult a doctor and make sure you are not developing a chest infection.
Chest infections can be dangerous. Also consult a doctor if you run a high fever for more than 3 days, experience shortness of breath or chills or if the lymph nodes under the jaw and in the neck become enlarged.
Nutrients for the influenza *Take Vitamin C in large doses 5,000mg to 10,000mg daily in divided doses. * Echinacea is good for influenza. It must be taken at the first onset of symptoms. Echinacea is an effective immune boosting herb and has antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. * Take Vitamin A plus beta-carotene (15,000 UI daily). This is a powerful antioxidant and immunity booster. * Garlic capsules, two to three daily. There are many odorless brands available now. Garlic acts as an antibiotic and cleanses the body. * Eucalyptus oil is beneficial. Put 5 drops in basin of hot water, place a towel over your head and slowly inhale the vapors.
In a way, we can actually catch a cold from ourselves. When our immune system is weakened by factors like stress or poor diet choices then our own dormant viruses can take hold.
It is always essential to keep our health at optimal levels with good healthy eating, including a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables combined with enough sleep and regular exercise.
If you feel the first symptoms developing you are now prepared with all the immune boosting tips to fight back. Don't let the bug catch you and try to stay one step ahead.