Cold and Flu
BACKGROUND
The common cold is a highly contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper
respiratory system, primarily caused by picornaviruses (including rhinoviruses)
or coronaviruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus.
Symptoms
Common cold symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing
and coughing; sometimes accompanied by pink
eye, muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, headaches, muscle weakness, and loss
of appetite. Fever, widespread achiness and extreme exhaustion are more usual
in influenza.
Viral or Bacterial
Sore throats may be viral or bacterial. If you have a white coating on the
back of your throat, the sore throat is the overwhelming symptom and you have
swollen neck glands, it is more likely to be strep or infectious mononucleosis
and a trip to the doctor may be worthwhile.
With upper respiratory infections, you may be contagious before you even have
symptoms, and are usually moving past the infectious stage after you are past
the worst of the symptoms. Nonetheless, avoid sneezing at people and wash your
hands after you sneeze on them, or after you touch your face, so you can minimize
spreading the infection to others.
TREATMENT
Diet and Exercise
Rest
Get your rest. Pushing through a flu or cold is a good way to trigger Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome. Resting also makes you less likely to lose friends by spreading
your infection to them.
Stay hydrated
Drink lots of fluids, particularly water.
Recommended Supplements
Thymic protein
For any infection, add thymic
protein — This natural thymic hormone mimic stimulates your immune
system wonderfully. It should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. Take
as directed 3 times each day at the first sign of any infection until the infection
resolves. You’ll be impressed and even your kids will love it.
Vitamin C
Take vitamin C 1,000-3,000 mg every few hours while awake, then lower the dose
if and when you get loose stools.
Eucalyptus oil
For stuffy nose or nasal congestion — eucalyptus oil. This wonderful
penetrating vapor does not have the tendency to irritate like menthol. A good
one is a form called "Sinu-Check" by Enzymatic Therapy, which contains a unique,
pure form of natural eucalyptus oil extract called "cineole." Eucalyptus
smells great, and has been used for centuries to clear stuffy airways, shrink
nasal swelling and reduce secretion of mucus — fast and without causing
sedation.
Echinacea herbal mixes
Another helpful tool to fight sore throats and colds in general (especially
in kids) is Echinacea herbal mixes. A good example would be Esberitox (by Enzymatic
Therapy), which has been studied extensively and also been proven safe for children
as young as 2 years old. For example, in one study it decreased the duration
and severity of colds and flu by 50%. It contains a blend of two potent strains
of echinacea along with two other immune-boosters: thuja and baptisia. Esberitox
has been recommended by pediatricians and family physicians in Europe and the
U.S. for many years. It's chewable and tastes good, making it a hit with children
of all ages (2 years old to over 90 ;-)
Other Therapies & Advice
Oscillococcinum
If you have the flu (or even think you may) take a wonderful homeopathic called
Oscillococcinum (in most drug or health food stores) as soon as possible. The
earlier you start it, the more likely to knock the flu out quickly. I keep this
in my medicine cabinet.
Zinc lozenge
Suck on a zinc lozenge (The General Nutrition Center and Vitamin Shoppes have
good brands) containing 10-20 mg of zinc 4-5 times a day. This is especially
helpful for sore throats.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is an effective (and tasty) cough suppressant. It is as effective
as codeine.
Salt water gargles
For sore throats or nasal congestion, use salt water gargles and nasal rinses.
The recipe is: 1 teaspoon salt (table salt is fine), plus 1 teaspoon baking
soda (not baking powder!), plus 1 pint of lukewarm water.
Cimetidine
If you have infectious mononucleosis, which can last 6 weeks and is diagnosed
by your doctor using a lab test, the treatments above (especially the thymic
protein) can help, but here's a powerful but little known trick. Get Tagamet
(cimetidine), the over the counter antacid , from your drug store or supermarket.
Though not natural, this safe over the counter medication is an immune modifier
that I have seen quickly eliminate mono even in teens hospitalized with it.
If over 12 years old, take 400 mg 3x day till the mono symptoms clear.
Related Information
Avoiding
and Treating Infections without Antibiotics
The General Nutrition Center (source for zinc lozenge)
