Cold and Flu Facts and Prevention
Information and Advice to Stay Healthy Throughout the Year
Learn the symptoms of the cold and flu, how to distinguish between the two and the steps to a healthy, sick-free life.
Whether it’s the winter season, fall or spring, the cold and flu take pity on no one. Therefore it is essential to take precautions and guard yourself from these unwanted visitors.
Colds tend to affect a majority of people during the winter. Distinguish between a cold and flu to know when to get appropriate treatments. Symptoms of the cold are generally milder than those of the flu, and include anything from sneezing to coughing, stuffy nose, headaches and a sore throat. These can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and in most cases a prescription is not needed. Flu symptoms, however, tend to be more troublesome. You may have the flu if you experience any symptoms of the cold in addition to body aches, chills, fever, and a dry cough. Be sure to tell your doctor if you encounter any of these, so the correct distinction can be made.
Increasing your intake of Vitamin C, which may be found in orange juice, may defend your immune system from the common cold and flu. However, studies have suggested that too much of the vitamin may actually be harmful to your health. Check with your doctor or nutritionist for the appropriate dosage.
It’s common sense to stay away from those who have the cold or flu. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to completely isolate yourself from friends and loved ones. But being cautious and doing simple things, such as avoiding close contact with someone, (kissing for example) and washing your hands thoroughly and often will keep you out of harm’s way. Be sure to use less of the antibacterial soaps and instant hand sanitizers, since those can actually kill the GOOD bacteria our bodies need to stay healthy.
One common mistake people make during a cold is rushing to the doctor’s office for a dose of antibiotics. Antibiotics will not get rid of a cold, a stuffy nose or severe sore throat. Only use this medicine for severe infections, which may include a sinus infection or ear infections, or otherwise as advised by a physician. For a severe sore throat, add 2-4 teaspoonfuls of salt to an eight ounce glass of hot water, and gargle. This will help soothe the irritation. You may also want to consider getting vaccinations; more commonly referred to as the flu shot. This should be done if you have a history of getting the flu, as the vaccine does not guarantee protection from the common cold.
The most effective way to steer clear of the cold germs is to clean your living environment. Clean your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc. with a sturdy disinfectant, or add a few drops of bleach to water when mopping the floors. Frequently wipe down common objects that tend to be handled by a number of people, such as the telephone, as germs can live on the surface of the skin for up to three hours, as well as survive on surface objects.
Finally, be sure to get plenty of rest. Seven to eight hours of sleep each night can really do wonders for the body. A healthy amount of sleep will keep the stress level down, and decrease your chances of being susceptible to the virus.
