It is that time of the year for colds and flus. Both viral illnesses have similar
symptoms and are relegated with the “go home, hydrate, and rest” type of advice.
(Good Advice)
The most common old symptoms usually are a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing.
Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. There is no
vaccine to prevent colds, which come on gradually and often spread through
everyday contact. Colds are caused by a group of virus called rhinovirus. Due to the
phlegm, being a breeding medium for bacteria, secondary viral or bacterial
infections can lead to further complications in the ears, sinuses, throat and lungs.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, headache, chills, dry cough,
sore throat, body or muscle aches, tiredness, and feeling generally miserable. Like
the viruses that cause a cold, flu viruses can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing,
and watery eyes. Young children also may experience nausea and vomiting.
Note that once infected, this includes being vaccinated, your immune system can be knocked down for weeks. Prevention can play an important role as recovery from
the illness occurs and this period may require enhanced vigilance in propping up
your immune system.
Colds usually run their course, whereas flus require more time. Being proactive can
quicken the course, prevent spread and help you feel better. When you’re sick, limit
exposing yourself to other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or
sneeze. Wash your hands and surfaces. Stay hydrated. Fluids should include healthy
herbal teas, water, and electrolytes if there is fever or vomiting. Resist fruit juice-
too much sugar and sodas. Resting is key.
Prevention is ninety percent of care. Stay healthy by sleeping well, minimizing sugar
and simple carbohydrates in your meals. Keep your Vitamin D up. Vitamin D is
integral in keeping our immune system at the ready. Vitamin C also raises the
immune system and can be taken in divided doses through the day. Zinc may also be helpful.
Vaccines can help with prevention, but they are not specific. If you have had the flu
vaccine there is still the risk of colds and other flu’s that were not in the vaccine, so
stay vigilant.
In our dry winter, using a nasal rinsing protocol with saline solution is beneficial.
The hydration of the nasal mucous helps by cleaning debris and hydrating the
surface, minimizing mucous production. Mucous provides a breeding ground for
virus’ and bacteria.
Sambucus, a botanical from the west, has been shown in studies to be a reliable antiviral. Isatis, a botanical from the East has also been shown to be a reliable anti- viral.
Other herbs are useful and effective in treating specific symptoms, like coughing,
sinus congestion, ear pain and sore throats.
Since colds and flus come with a variety of symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors
utilize symptom specific botanicals and supplements as well as homeopathic
medicines and hydrotherapy treatments, to help you recover faster and feel better.
Be well and get on track to combat the colds and flus of this winter
surface, minimizing mucous production. Mucous provides a breeding ground for
virus’ and bacteria.
Sambucus, a botanical from the west, has been shown in studies to be a reliable anti
viral. Isatis, a botanical from the East has also been shown to be a reliable anti viral.
Other herbs are useful and effective in treating specific symptoms, like coughing,
sinus congestion, ear pain and sore throats.
Since colds and flus come with this variety of symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors
utilize symptom specific botanicals and supplements as well as homeopathic
medicines and hydrotherapy treatments, to help you recover faster and feel better.
Be well and get on track to combat the colds and flus of this winte
