Cold and Flu Defense

Prevention is your first line of defense. Use common sense and try to keep your distance from people who are sick. Avoid enclosed crowded places. Viruses that cause colds and flu become airborne when people cough and sneeze.

Wash your hands after you touch surfaces that may be contaminated with bacteria and viruses like doorknobs and telephones. Wash as soon as it's convenient after you shake hands. Use a gentle soap and wash for 15 seconds before rinsing. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door when exiting a public bathroom. If germs are on your hands, they enter the body when you touch your eyes, nose and mouth or even the food you eat. Teach your children how to sneeze into their upper sleeve and to wash hands when they come home from school to reduce the spread of germs to your family. An educator commented that the fist bump has replaced the high five as a sign of approval and can reduce germ contact.

Drink plenty of water to flush out your system. Avoid cigarette smoke. Help strengthen your immune system by getting plenty of rest and moderate exercise such as walking every day. Reduce stress as much as possible and avoid too much junk food and alcohol. Enjoy foods rich in anti-oxidants such as: broccoli, sweet peppers, carrots, citrus fruits, blueberries, pomegranates, and green leafy vegetables. Rooibos "red tea" is also a powerful antioxidant. Garlic has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Take a high quality multi-vitamin daily. These preventative steps help to reduce the risks of many other diseases and infections.

Cold or flu? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu and have a shorter duration. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

First response to symptoms can shorten the duration of colds and flu or even nip them in the bud. Boiron® oscilliococcinnum can be taken at the first sign of flu and often stops illness from setting in. Sambucol® is an elderberry formula. Elderberries have been used to combat flu viruses and ease congestion, fever and sore throat. For colds, frequent selections are Boiron® Cold Calm or Cold Snap® to "restore righteous chi." Source Naturals® Wellness Formula and Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid are used to treat both colds and flu. Stay away from others if you are sick. Drink plenty of liquids, especially soups, fresh juices, herbal teas, and water to prevent dehydration and help flush out the body. Sleep and get as much rest as possible.

"Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing" by Balch is an excellent, easy-to-use reference book. It lists illnesses and recommendations for supplements and herbal medicines. They cite: "Echinacea is very effective at enhancing the body's own defenses. Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic and helps relieve congestion." Other helpful herbs include astragalus, ginger, and cayenne. The book is on display for reference at Open Harvest and copies are available to purchase.

Learn more about cold and flu prevention and remedies in our store at our Aisle7/Health Notes computer information center.

Research, and make responsible decisions about your healthcare. This article is not intended as a substitute for seeking professional advice from your healthcare provider.