Winter Colds And Flu
With winter time upon us now, sooner or later just about everyone comes down with a miserable cold or a case of flu. Both colds and flu are caused by viruses which attach themselves to the lining of the nose or throat and then spread throughout the upper respiratory system and occasionally to the lungs as well. Flu symptoms usually come on quickly (within 3-6 hours) and consist of a fever, body aches, dry cough, and extreme tiredness, but serious and potentially life threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia, can develop in some people. Cold symptoms are less severe. The three most frequent symptoms of a cold are nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose. Throat irritation is often involved (but not with a red throat). Usually irritation in the nose or a scratchy feeling in the throat is the first sign, followed within hours by sneezing and a watery nasal discharge.
Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet developed any good ways to kill these viruses once they have invaded the body. So there is no "cure" for a cold or flu. The best way to handle colds is simply to try and prevent them from occurring, and if that fails, to treat the unpleasant symptoms. Prevention is mainly a matter of hygiene.
Ways to treat your cold and flu symptoms
- If you do have a cold or flu try to stay home. Rest is important in your recovery plus you are less likely to pass on your illness to someone else. Refusing to rest can result in worse symptoms, delayed recovery, and even relapses. Rest helps your body fight infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading your illness. Wash your hands frequently especially after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing and especially after using the restroom. Dispose of all tissue used to blow your nose immediately after use.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids including water, fruit juices and clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important because they help prevent dehydration.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.
- Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.
- Try to eat a balanced diet. Many people swear by that old stand-by for colds and flu - chicken soup.
These viral infections generally run their course in 7 - 10 days. It is important to see your doctor for evaluation if any of the following occurs.
Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet developed any good ways to kill these viruses once they have invaded the body. So there is no "cure" for a cold or flu. The best way to handle colds is simply to try and prevent them from occurring, and if that fails, to treat the unpleasant symptoms. Prevention is mainly a matter of hygiene.
Ways to treat your cold and flu symptoms
- If you do have a cold or flu try to stay home. Rest is important in your recovery plus you are less likely to pass on your illness to someone else. Refusing to rest can result in worse symptoms, delayed recovery, and even relapses. Rest helps your body fight infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading your illness. Wash your hands frequently especially after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing and especially after using the restroom. Dispose of all tissue used to blow your nose immediately after use.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids including water, fruit juices and clear soups. Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important because they help prevent dehydration.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.
- Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.
- Try to eat a balanced diet. Many people swear by that old stand-by for colds and flu - chicken soup.
These viral infections generally run their course in 7 - 10 days. It is important to see your doctor for evaluation if any of the following occurs.
- Severe, continuous vomiting or diarrhea lasting 8 hrs. Or any vomiting and diarrhea not improved after 24 hrs.
- Fever over 39, or a fever that lasts for more than 3 days.
- Earache or drainage from the ear.
- Shaking chills
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Unusual lethargy or delirium
- Change in cough or nasal secretions to thick green or gray
- Uncontrollable cough or cough sounding like a "bark"
- Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw