Getting Through The Flu And Cold Season
The Flu and cold season are upon us, and I want to give some educational advice to my fellow community.
Getting through the fall and winter months safely without catching the flu or cold depends on your body’s robust immune system and sufficient vitamin C and Vitamin D levels. First, let’s discover the difference between a cold and a flu.
Colds and the flu (influenza) are both respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them and have some distinct differences:
Causative Viruses:
- More than 200 different viruses are known to cause common cold symptoms. Rhinoviruses cause an estimated 30-35% of all adults and are the most common ones.
- Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses, primarily influenza A and influenza B.
Onset and Duration:
- Colds often have a gradual onset, with symptoms appearing slowly over a few days.
- The flu typically comes suddenly and can have more severe symptoms, including high fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
(A sore throat, runny nose, congested nasal passages, and a cough can be symptoms of a cold or flu).
Symptoms:
- Common cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and mild fatigue. Fever is uncommon with a cold; when it does occur, it’s usually mild.
- Flu symptoms include a high fever (often above 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, body aches, headache, severe fatigue, dry cough, and a sore throat. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting can also occur, although they are more common in children.
Severity:
- Colds are generally milder and less severe than the flu. They rarely lead to serious complications.
- Influenza can lead to more severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Complications:
- While colds typically do not lead to severe complications, they can sometimes cause secondary bacterial infections, such as sinusitis or ear infections.
- The flu is more likely to lead to complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and exacerbation of chronic medical conditions.
Seasonality:
- Colds can occur at any time of the year but are more common in the fall and winter.
- The flu has a more defined seasonal pattern, with flu seasons typically occurring in temperate regions in the fall and winter months.
It’s important to differentiate between colds and the flu because the management and treatment can vary. Suppose you suspect you have the flu, especially in a high-risk group. In that case, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly, as antiviral medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of the illness. For colds, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter symptom relief are often sufficient. Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are crucial for preventing the spread of colds and the flu.
A Natural recipe to get you through the winter: Barabara O’Neill Flu Bomb
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon freshly crushed ginger (or ginger powder as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon freshly crushed turmeric (or turmeric powder as a substitute)
- Juice of 1 whole lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey (more can be added to taste)
- 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil
Here are some helpful notes about:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C may not help keep colds and flu away, but it can make colds and serious respiratory infections less severe and last a shorter time. It is important to note that taking too much Vitamin C can also cause an irritating case of diarrhea. Reduce the dose if this happens. (1000 mg two times daily).
Elderberry: Elderberry extract has been tested repeatedly and is found to lessen the duration of illness by as much as four days. In addition to being highly efficient in fighting up to 10 strains of flu virus, almost all of the scientific studies administered on elderberry have been used in a commercial product known as Sambucol, which you can find in liquid form from several companies. In addition, Elderberry inhibits influenza viral replication and reduces coughing).
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is one of the most used oils in my cabinets during the winter season. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic (pain reliever), and expectorant. At night, bust congestion by placing a few drops of the oil on a soft cloth and placing it under your pillow so the fumes will diffuse throughout the night. During the day, place a few drops on a handkerchief and use it as needed. While suffering lots of congestion or a painful cough, I also mix the eucalyptus oil with some coconut oil, which acts as a vapor rub. Massage a couple of drops onto the affected area 3 times daily to relieve aches.
Peppermint: To eliminate any nausea the flu may cause, rub 4-6 drops of peppermint oil on your abdomen, focusing on the naval area. Peppermint can also reduce a fever by rubbing five drops of oil onto the bottom of each foot. For congestion relief, just put a drop on your tongue and inhale – the peppermint will do the rest!
Herbal steam: If you aren’t feeling well enough, herbal steam is an excellent alternative to fight the flu or cold. Put hot water just under boiling in a bowl with your preferred herbs (I use peppermint, tea tree, and peppermint oil). Use a towel as a ‘tent’ and put your head under it and close to the bowl’s surface, being careful not to touch the water.
Note: Essential oils are potent and can irritate the eyes, so lower your head slowly to the bowl to avoid irritation.
Are you looking to secure either of these services? Schedule a free consultation with our expert nurses today!
Getting Through The Flu And Cold Season
The Flu and cold season are upon us, and I want to give some educational advice to my fellow community.
Getting through the fall and winter months safely without catching the flu or cold depends on your body’s robust immune system and sufficient vitamin C and Vitamin D levels. First, let’s discover the difference between a cold and a flu.
Colds and the flu (influenza) are both respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them and have some distinct differences:
Causative Viruses:
- More than 200 different viruses are known to cause common cold symptoms. Rhinoviruses cause an estimated 30-35% of all adults and are the most common ones.
- Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by influenza viruses, primarily influenza A and influenza B.
Onset and Duration:
- Colds often have a gradual onset, with symptoms appearing slowly over a few days.
- The flu typically comes suddenly and can have more severe symptoms, including high fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
(A sore throat, runny nose, congested nasal passages, and a cough can be symptoms of a cold or flu).
Symptoms:
- Common cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and mild fatigue. Fever is uncommon with a cold; when it does occur, it’s usually mild.
- Flu symptoms include a high fever (often above 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, body aches, headache, severe fatigue, dry cough, and a sore throat. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting can also occur, although they are more common in children.
Severity:
- Colds are generally milder and less severe than the flu. They rarely lead to serious complications.
- Influenza can lead to more severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Complications:
- While colds typically do not lead to severe complications, they can sometimes cause secondary bacterial infections, such as sinusitis or ear infections.
- The flu is more likely to lead to complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and exacerbation of chronic medical conditions.
Seasonality:
- Colds can occur at any time of the year but are more common in the fall and winter.
- The flu has a more defined seasonal pattern, with flu seasons typically occurring in temperate regions in the fall and winter months.
It’s important to differentiate between colds and the flu because the management and treatment can vary. Suppose you suspect you have the flu, especially in a high-risk group. In that case, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly, as antiviral medications can be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of the illness. For colds, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter symptom relief are often sufficient. Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are crucial for preventing the spread of colds and the flu.
A Natural recipe to get you through the winter: Barabara O’Neill Flu Bomb
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon freshly crushed ginger (or ginger powder as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon freshly crushed turmeric (or turmeric powder as a substitute)
- Juice of 1 whole lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey (more can be added to taste)
- 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil
Here are some helpful notes about:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C may not help keep colds and flu away, but it can make colds and serious respiratory infections less severe and last a shorter time. It is important to note that taking too much Vitamin C can also cause an irritating case of diarrhea. Reduce the dose if this happens. (1000 mg two times daily).
Elderberry: Elderberry extract has been tested repeatedly and is found to lessen the duration of illness by as much as four days. In addition to being highly efficient in fighting up to 10 strains of flu virus, almost all of the scientific studies administered on elderberry have been used in a commercial product known as Sambucol, which you can find in liquid form from several companies. In addition, Elderberry inhibits influenza viral replication and reduces coughing).
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is one of the most used oils in my cabinets during the winter season. It is an antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic (pain reliever), and expectorant. At night, bust congestion by placing a few drops of the oil on a soft cloth and placing it under your pillow so the fumes will diffuse throughout the night. During the day, place a few drops on a handkerchief and use it as needed. While suffering lots of congestion or a painful cough, I also mix the eucalyptus oil with some coconut oil, which acts as a vapor rub. Massage a couple of drops onto the affected area 3 times daily to relieve aches.
Peppermint: To eliminate any nausea the flu may cause, rub 4-6 drops of peppermint oil on your abdomen, focusing on the naval area. Peppermint can also reduce a fever by rubbing five drops of oil onto the bottom of each foot. For congestion relief, just put a drop on your tongue and inhale – the peppermint will do the rest!
Herbal steam: If you aren’t feeling well enough, herbal steam is an excellent alternative to fight the flu or cold. Put hot water just under boiling in a bowl with your preferred herbs (I use peppermint, tea tree, and peppermint oil). Use a towel as a ‘tent’ and put your head under it and close to the bowl’s surface, being careful not to touch the water.
Note: Essential oils are potent and can irritate the eyes, so lower your head slowly to the bowl to avoid irritation.
Are you looking to secure either of these services? Schedule a free consultation with our expert nurses today!
