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December Blog

DECEMBER BLOG

INFLUENZA OR A COLD

Its flu season, but you wouldn’t know it with the warm morning temperatures, only to be brought back to reality with the drop in night time temperatures and the thought, “I didn’t bring a jacket!” The body adjusting from hot, warm and cold repeatedly makes us more susceptible to the flu or influenza and the common cold.

What Are the Common Causes of Colds or the Flu?

Many times the causes are simple: being indoors with others in enclosed spaces, viruses that cause respiratory infections frequently mutate making immune systems adjust to each mutation, viruses that can survive on common surfaces for hours or viruses that become airborne during a coughing spasm from an infected individual.

The Common Cold.

Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but you can get a cold at any time. Most individuals recover in 7 to 10 days. But those with weakened immune systems may develop serious illness, such as pneumonia. In the United States, millions of people get the common cold each year. There is no cure for the common cold, but to recover quicker it is recommended to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

The common cold produces symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and coughing spasms. These symptoms are usually mild and gone within a week but cause absenteeism from work and school.

The flu is contagious! This respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even lead to death! You’re actually able to pass the flu to someone even before you know you are sick. Most people with the flu are most contagious 3 to 4 days after their illness begins. Some will present symptoms 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems may infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu.

Here is a list of common recognizable symptoms that start suddenly:

Fever or feeling feverish with or without chills. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue or feeling very tired
Occasional vomiting and diarrhea, though more common in young children

What groups are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications?

Children under 5, especially younger than 2 years old

Adults 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
Nursing home and long-term care residents/facilities
American Indians and Alaskan Natives

Others susceptible to the flu may also have some of the following medical conditions:

Asthma,
Stroke,
Heart disease - congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure or CHF and coronary artery disease
Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus
Weakened immune systems due to HIV or AIDS, or cancer,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD
Cystic fibrosis
Mental retardation
Muscular dystrophy,
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders),
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
The extremely obese

Prevention Tips

Prevention can be as easy as frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and advising young children to do the same. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will work until you are able to wash with soap and water. Viruses can stay on your unwashed hands for long periods of time and able to enter the body by simply touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Using a disinfectant frequently on surfaces, toys, doorknobs aids in reducing the chance of spreading the virus.

Natural, Effective Remedies for Colds and Flu

According to most doctors, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Native Americans knew the power of herbs. Native Americans have used botanicals in a really expert way - a good indication that there are some very promising substances among the things they used. But there are other natural and effective remedies in the fight against colds and flus. Boosting the immune system, by employing natural methods that hastening recovery and ease symptoms with herbal remedies, water therapy and dietary supplements helps significantly.

Here are a few sample herbs:

Echinacea or purple coneflower helps in reducing symptoms of common cold or flu or upper respiratory infections. T-cells in the body which are produced in larger numbers when you consume Echinacea. Your white blood cells will also get a boost helping them fight off any invading viruses or bacteria. Echinacea can reduce the chance of catching a cold by almost 60%
Vitamin C - some vitamin C users do report a reduced duration and severity of cold symptoms, indicating that it may play some role in respiratory defense mechanisms. Typical daily doses are 200 to 500 milligrams a day. Eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as peppers, guava, citrus fruits, strawberries and leafy greens, is always a great idea.
Andrographis - an up-and-coming cold season herb. A 2004 research review concluded that Andrographis “may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. A Russian study in children found that Kan Jang, andrographis leaf extract and eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng) was more effective than an echinacea extract in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.
Elderberry. A time-honored European cold and flu remedy is a tea of elder flowers and peppermint leaves. Scientific research however, has focused on the berry from the black elderberry tree Sambucus nigra.
Ginseng and Eleuthero. Asian ginseng or Panax ginseng, American ginseng or P. quinquefolius and Siberian ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus) all have been reported useful in fighting respiratory viruses. Such immune enhancing herbs may be particularly helpful for the elderly.
Licorice root or Glycyrrhiza glabra, has many properties that can relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s an anti-inflammatory, soothes sore throats, antispasmodic - relax tight coughs and expels respiratory mucus. Licorice root is sweet and makes most herbal blends taste great. This tea, Throat Coat, also contains slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, wild cherry bark, bitter fennel fruit, cinnamon bark and sweet orange peel.

However, don’t take licorice for more than four to six weeks — it causes your kidneys to retain water and sodium and lose potassium. Don’t take it at all if you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure or low blood potassium, or take a potassium depleting diuretic.

You may also include the following in your regimen:

Drink plenty of fluids. One of the best ways to thin mucus secretions is by adding water to your system by drinking warm liquids, especially herbal teas, soup broth, fruit juices and sports drinks. They keep your respiratory system hydrated and turn that nasty, thick mucus into a thin liquid you can cough up and spit out. If mucus is allowed to build up in your lungs it could lead to an infection.

Breathe in steam. Fill the bathroom sink with hot water, then add 1 teaspoon of menthol rub and breathe in the steam for several minutes until you feel better. Alternatives that can be used are a few drops of menthol, eucalyptus oil, thyme, rosemary or peppermint leaves which open your airways, ease congestion, and make it easier to breathe.

Caution: Aromatic vapors may aggravate asthma. Don’t use essential oils of thyme and oregano for steam inhalation — they’re too irritating. Also, don’t take concentrated plant essences by mouth and always keep the bottles out of children’s reach.

Always consult your medical practitioner!