Unless you’re watching your health, your chances of catching cold or flu is higher in winter than at any other time of year. This is because the traditional parties, holiday dinners and meetings (such as a cold climate in winter) and keep us indoors in close contact with groups of people, one of which has the potential to give something more than a holiday fruitcake during this cold and flu season. In fact, colds are so common that it is almost impossible to completely avoid catching one. Most adults average two to four colds a year, young children, with their immature immune systems, suffer from an average of six to eight colds a year. Unfortunately, there are drugs that will cure a cold or flu – Antibiotics work on bacterial infections and viruses – but there are ways to make it more comfortable for yourself while your illness runs its course (usually by seven to nine days for a cold, and three or four days for influenza). Getting plenty of rest and much consumption of liquids, for example, is a good way to help yourself heal. Staying well hydrated helps keep the lining of the nose and throat from becoming too dry, which helps the flow of mucus from your body. But stick with water or fruit juice, beverages containing caffeine (like coffee, tea and colas) and alcohol can lead to dehydration. If your sore throat try gargling with salt water, and run a cool-mist humidifier to help relieve a stuffy nose. Take care, however, to keep the humidifier clean to avoid mold build-up, which may be harmful if inhaled. Over-the-counter medications can often bring some relief from nasal congestion, fever, muscle aches and sore throat, but choose those that are appropriate for specific symptoms, rather than reaching for the multi-drug symptom. And do not forget to give aspirin (or medications that contain aspirin) to children and teen-agers who have flu-like symptoms because of the possibility of developing Reye’s syndrome. Some herbal remedies can be useful when you have a cold or the flu. Echinacea and goldenseal is believed to have anti-viral properties and can stimulate the immune system. These herbal products should be taken at the first sign of disease to decrease the severity of symptoms and help the body fight infection. Of course, the best plan is the practice in the prevention of cold before someone spreads germs along with their holiday cheer. The following steps can give you a head start toward a healthy holiday season: Wash your hands often. Cold and flu germs are hiding everywhere and collect them every time I touch a doorknob, handrail, phone, shopping cart, or even when shaking someone’s hand. Keep hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. Germs can easily enter your body for these pathways. Clean contact surfaces with a germ-killing disinfectant. (Also, a solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 10 parts water is effective to kill the virus.) Do not smoke, and avoid being with people who smoke. Smoke inhalation can further irritate the throat and worsen the cough. If possible, avoid contact with people who have a cold. Overall, the best defense of the body against viruses that cause colds and the flu is a healthy immune system. Make sure your immune system working in top form getting the necessary nutrients. Vitamins A, C, E and B complex vitamins are immune-system booster echinacea, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc also help strengthen the immune system. As always, it is best to get your nutrients from a balanced diet, but it is often easier said than done, especially at this hectic time of years. The best solution, then, is to take a nutritional supplement to ensure you’re giving your body what it needs to stay healthy. Getting enough sleep, regular exercise and reducing stress may help your immune system fight off the germs that cause disease. Stress seems an all too common part of the holiday season, but studies have shown that people who are stressed are more susceptible to disease. Try deep breathing techniques, massage, meditate, or to set aside some time just to listen to music. Research has also shown that the more social you are, the less chance of getting sick. One theory is that having social contacts and support is less stressful to keep to yourself. Whatever the reason, you can enjoy those parties and gatherings, not bothering to catch a cold or the flu. Just remember the techniques of prevention for the holidays in good health!

Posted on March 6th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: Health Articles