COLDS AND FLU

Symptoms

Colds and flu affect everyone at one time or another. They occur mostly during the winter months, and are the most common reason why people miss work or school.

Symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat and swollen glands
• Stuffed-up nose
• Fever
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle aches

Causes

In most instances, a cold virus is contracted by breathing in infected droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the atmosphere, or by picking up germs on your hands then transferring them to your nose or mouth.

The infection manifests in the mucus membranes in the nose and upper respiratory tract, causing them to swell and produce more mucus. Older people and those that don’t maintain a healthy diet are more at risk. Other triggers and irritants that can cause colds can include lifestyle issues, such as stress, feeling tired, or being rundown.

How to treat it

Maintaining healthy hygiene such as frequent hand washing is of high importance in preventing the virus from spreading. Vitamin C, Zinc and immunity-enhancing plants such as Echinacea are good daily supplements to take during the cold season.

Stress and fatigue can lower the immune system’s ability to work efficiently, so at the onset of the cold season, relief may come more quickly if stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation are considered, and a healthy exercise program introduced.

Peppermint Oil, a decongestant nasal spray and steam inhalation can also help reduce inflammation and encourage mucus drainage.

Lifestyle considerations

Ensure you are eating a balanced diet that provides you with good nutrition. Zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin C can help with colds and flu. Vitamin A thins the mucus, promotes the growth of healthy mucus promoting cells, and strengthens the immune system. Regular exercise and keeping stress levels low can also help keep your immune system healthy.

It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas to cleanse your body of toxins help keep the respiratory tract from drying out.

Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and light foods consisting of steamed vegetables. Avoid milky and mucus-forming foods such as cheese, yoghurt, red meat, and dairy products.

Your local pharmacist is an excellent source of information about cold and flu medications, and can help explain the difference between analgesics, vitamins and mineral supplements, and herbal remedies that may help your symptoms.

Sourced from:
www.medicinenet.com
www.webmd.com
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

How Herron Can Help

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