The common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose and causes many symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, and fever. These symptoms are your body’s response to some type of infection. It is widely known that there is no cure for the common cold; however, there are many things you can do to combat the symptoms and lessen the duration of your cold. Medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are often very effective in relieving the pain caused by many of these symptoms.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness cause by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to sever illness, and in extreme cases it may even lead to death. You have probably heard of the seasonal flu shot, and many of you have probably even gotten one yourselves. The flu shot injects you with a very small amount of the influenza virus, which is supposed to make your body more resistant to the virus. However, getting a flu shot does not mean you are immune to all strains of the flu.

Symptoms

symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. The throat and sinuses may be affected as well. There may be swelling in the sinuses and sore throat. A cough due to throat irritation and post-nasal drip may develop. Some people experience headache and/or low fever. Symptoms of cold and flu may be similar, but fever and body aches usually occur first in cases of influenza and other symptoms similar to the common cold develop later.

Both these illnesses are due to viruses, with the common cold and the flu spread through one’s saliva or nasal secretions. Of course, when you take the necessary precautions, you wouldn’t need to worry, but in the case that you do contract either of these irritants, you’ll be happy to know that we will explore how the common cold and the flu are best treated.

Cold and Flu Treatment – 7 Secrets to Speed Up Recovery

Stay at home Get plenty of rest Drink a lot of liquids Avoid alcohol use and tobacco smoke Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms Consult a doctor early on for best possible treatment Remain alert for emergency warning signs

Herbalists have also been using liquorice to soothe chest and throat complaints since the third century BC for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, throat problems, colds and coughs. Liquorice contains anti-viral compounds that induce the release of interferon, the bodies own anti-viral constituents. It is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory which makes it excellent for stubborn coughs and lung infections.

Read about Dry Whooping Cough Syrup and Soothe Sore Throat and also Cough Remedies

First, individuals should be sure they are not members of a high-risk group that is more susceptible to getting severe flu symptoms. Check with your physician if you are unsure if you are a higher risk person. Home care is recommended by the CDC if a person is normally healthy with no underlying diseases or conditions (for example, lung disease, asthma, pregnant, or immunosuppressed).

Increasing liquid intake, warm compresses and warm showers, especially in the nasal area, can reduce the body aches and reduce nasal congestion. Nasal strips and humidifiers may help reduce congestion, especially while trying to sleep.

Some physicians recommend nasal irrigation with saline to further reduces congestion; some recommend nonprescription decongestants. Fever can be treated with over-the counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin and others) (read labels for safe dosage). Cough can be suppressed by cough drops and over-the-counter cough syrup. If an individual’s symptoms at home get worse, their doctor should be notified.

Much of the illness and death caused by flu can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination. Flu vaccine is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications as a result of influenza infection. These high-risk groups for conventional flu include all people aged 65 years or older and people of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, diabetes; lung, or kidneys; immunosuppression; or severe forms of anemia.

However, with the novel H1N1 flu, the CDC has listed these groups listed below as being at high risk and should obtain the novel H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available to them:

people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age; pregnant women; people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age and children 5-18 years of age who have chronic medical problems; health-care and emergency-services personnel; people from 25-64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Other groups for whom conventional flu vaccine is specifically recommended are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities housing patients of any age with chronic medical conditions and children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who may therefore be at risk for developing Reye Syndrome after an influenza virus infection. Flu vaccine is also recommended for people who are in close or frequent contact with anyone in the high-risk groups defined above.

These people include health-care personnel and volunteers who work with high-risk patients and people who live in a household with a high-risk person. (read more about flu here.)

It’s the season, or should we say this is not only seasonal, but could occur anytime of the year. Perhaps it doesn’t have to happen at all. Who has the time for it? Wellness Formula by Source Naturals, has every herb to enhance the body’s Healing Powers every day. We are more aware in these times of how to take care of ourselves, but even so the stress of modern day living takes it’s toll. Standing at guard is the centuries old Dr. Christopher’s Super Garlic Immune Formula, especially for those that can’t shake off the Cold and Flu and have re-occurring bouts. Since it comes in liquid, just put some in juice. A Sensational Remedy!

Now how about those that want to avoid garlic altogether. Planetary Formulas has Yin Chiao Classic, written up in the Chinese Materia Medica, unmatched with all those Chinese Herbs, you just may not come down with anything. It is also known to help with allergies. Oh you’ve heard about Snake Oil? In the covered wagon days in the 1800′s, the so-called medicine of that time, the one they claimed cures everything, was in a brown liquid bottle. Well known today as Echinacea and Goldenseal, it could be your first line of defense. Zand has the Insure Herbal in Orange and Banana flavor for the little ones. For more prevention and protection of our Immune System, and to fight off those bugs, Alpha CF by Boericke & Tafel is a serious Cold & Flu, Congestion Formula for all those miserable symptoms. Warding off and nipping them in the bud, before it starts to get cha is the very famous Oscillococcinum by Boiron Homeopathics, originally from France. Coughing also could be an issue here. For calming that cough which could lead to Bronchial conditions, Now Foods has Bronchial Support in Tincture, dealing with this on an ongoing basis. Biggest secret in Las Vegas is Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup by Planetary Formulas, also known as Rolling Thunder for those Horrendous Chest Coughs. Wild Cherry Throat Drops are Sugar Free and soothes the Throat. Chinese Tonic Herbs known as Astragalus Jade Screen by Planetary Formulas protect from Cold Wind, tones the body (wei) and (chi) immune defense, energize and warms and can be taken safely year round, particularly for those with weakness. A professional patented Silver-by-Silver Biotics in 10 PPM. You’ve heard of Silver? Not that kind! or 10 PPM. What does that mean? The smaller the silver particles are, the better absorption into your bloodstream. Silver is known since the 17th Century as a natural antibiotic that works with 650 conditions. Also Source Naturals has a Colloidal Silver Spray for Sore Throats for Red Stuffy Noses and dealing with Allergies and Sinus and Dust. Bioforce USA has Pollinosan Nasal Spray, and they also have a Sinna Nasal Spray for Colds & Flu.

Now we address the Ears. Source Naturals has an Earache Formula and Clear Products has the Stash Oz’s (Master Chinese Herbologist) Formula called Clear Sinus & Ear with a blend of Chinese Herbs and Homeopathics. Children can also take this in 1/2 adult dosage.

Here we will incorporate a few more suggestions such as Nutrition Now’s Zinc Lozenges in Raspberry and Orange, not yucky tasting. A Tea by Longjiang river Health called Luo Han Kuo (LHK) 20 Sachets per pack, which has been used in the Orient as an ingredient in soups or stews or beverages for Respiratory, Lung, congestion and other Discomforts. Keeping Our Defenses Up, Because There is A Better Way!

Is It a Cold or The Flu?

Click Here for more products for Cold and Flu

Written exclusively for Herbspro.com by Suma G Nathan, Certified Registered Holistic Nutritionist/Chinese Herbalist

What is Cold and Flu

Is it a cold or the flu? While a common cold, including chest cold and head cold, can be caused by more than 200 viruses, seasonal flu is caused by either influenza A or B viruses. Cold and flu remedies can usually ease symptoms. Antiviral medications like Relenza or Tamiflu are helpful if prescribed soon after flu symptoms start.Influenza (commonly known as the flu) and colds are among the most common infections of the respiratory system. People often confuse the two, calling a bad cold the “flu,” or vice versa.

Typically, the flu (also known as influenza) has symptoms that make a child feel worse than symptoms associated with a common cold, but it’s not always that easy to tell the difference between the two.

What are the causes of the flu?

Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. Influenza types A and B are responsible for epidemics of respiratory illness that occur almost every winter and are often associated with increased rates of hospitalization and death. Influenza type C differs from types A and B in some important ways.

The truth is, the flu and the common cold are caused by viruses. People get sick more often in the winter because they are exposed to each other more in the winter than in the summer. When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside and are more likely to spread germs to one another.

The flu is caused by three types (strains) of viruses — influenza A, B and C. Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics (worldwide epidemics) that strike every 10 to 40 years. Type B can lead to smaller, more localized outbreaks. And either types A or B can cause the flu that circulates almost every winter. Type C has never been connected with a large epidemic.

Symptoms of Cold and Flu

Viral pharyngitis may develop gradually. It is often accompanied by the flu or a cold, and body aches. If a fever is present, it will generally be in the range of 101 degrees F or below.With cold symptoms, your nose teems with watery nasal secretions for the first few days. Later, these become thicker and darker. Dark mucus is natural and does not usually mean you have developed a bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.

Recognizing the symptoms of the common cold is important for a few reasons. If you realize what symptoms are bothering you the most, you will know which medications will help relieve them.

Introduction to cold, flu, and allergy treatments

Every year, millions of people use over-the-counter (OTC) products to relieve nasal stuffiness and congestion, sneezing, runny noses, sore throat, and cough. The common causes of these symptoms include the viruses that cause the common cold, influenza virus, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and sinus infections (sinusitis).

ince it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work against the common cold. These types of upper respiratory infections go away on their own and taking antibiotics will not help your child get better any faster and will likely not prevent secondary bacterial infections, such as an ear infection or sinus infection.

For thick phlegm, patients may try cough medications that contain guaifenesin (Robitussin, Scot-Tussin Expectorant), which loosens mucus. Patients should not suppress coughs that produce mucus and phlegm; it is important to expel this substance. To loosen phlegm, patients should drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier or steamer.Take paracetamol to control fever, aches and pains (adults can use aspirin). Early use of antiviral medication may shorten the length and severity of illness. Consult a doctor to discuss treatment.

Read about Home Remedies. Also Read about Health Blog, Fitness Blog and Herbal Remedies, Natural Remedies

As we mentioned in the previous article, influenza is no minor illness. If you are senior or have a serious heart and lung disease, you are at the greatest risk for coming down with a dangerous case of flu because your immune system might not be strong enough to fend off the infection.

Here are some nutrients that have proven record of preventing cold and flu. Keep these nutrients in mind when the cold and flu season comes.

1. Vitamin C

This nutrient strengthens the immune system, accelerating its ability to combat harmful substances. Bowel tolerance doses can be taken orally and more can be taken with out this effect when administered intravenously.

2. Bioflavonoids

Working together with vitamin C, Bioflavonoids assists in the management of cold and flu by reducing the severity and duration of symptoms, helping to maintain and strengthen capillary and connective tissues. It also has an effectiveness of relieving varicose and surface veins.

3.DHEA

This adrenal hormone offers immune enhancing qualities and helps fight viruses.

4.Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in preventing and treating cold and flu. It is required by the thymus gland that is a major link in the immune system, helping to produce highly differentiated and educated cells that can fight off the onslaught of new bacteria and viruses.

5. Shark liver oil

Seagate shark liver oil has one of the highest natural levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in the world. Deficiencies in these fatty acids have been noticed in studies involving people having nervous disorders. Shark liver oil also helps in boosting the production of virus fighting cytokines and alkylglycerols make shark liver oil the natural fighter of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal forces.

6.Melatonin

Melatonin has the ability to trigger T-helper-cell production. T-helper-cells are necessary for the immune system in recognizing cancer cells, viruses, bacteria and fungi.

There are many more nutrients which have a power in strengthening your immune system, helping to fend of cold and flu such as medical mushroom, gamma- Linoleic acid, and etc.

I hope this information will help. If you need more of this subject, please visit my home page:

Kyle J. Norton

http://healthylivingover100yearolds.blogspot.com/

http://bestexpertarticles.blogspot.com/

I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990

Many people suffer from the flu or the common cold during the cold/flu season. It is usually difficult to predict when and where one was infected with the virus, but it is possible to prepare yourself against a cold or flu. Vitamins, proper nutrition, and plenty of sleep, are just a few of the ways to avoid the flu or cold.

The first step towards avoiding the flu is attained by getting a flu shot. It is important to note that the flu vaccine protects us only from the flu, not from the common cold. The common cold is easily spreadable and it has many different causes therefore it is more difficult to develop a vaccine for it. The flu shot is usually offered a month prior to the beginning of the flu season. The flu season usually lasts from the month of November until April; therefore, if you are medically permitted to take a flu shot, it would be wise to protect yourself.

Another way to protect yourself from the flu and the common cold is by washing your hands. Colds and the flu can be easily passed around through coughing, sneezing, and touching. An infected person can simply sneeze on their hand and place their hand on a commonly used doorknob. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands very often during the flu season. Another way to avoid the flu and cold is to limit your exposure to infected people. The cold/flu virus spreads easily that is why it is better to avoid people who have been infected. However, if you have to be around infected people, it may be wise to protect yourself by taking extra vitamins.

The final step towards avoiding the flu is to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Healthy nutritional habits, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise can all help you reduce your chances of becoming infected with a virus. A healthy lifestyle along with all of the other tips provided earlier in this article can help you reduce your chances of becoming infected with the flu or the common cold.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.
Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies for antidepressants,
diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.

Although New Year’s is a time for celebration, it is also the height of the cold and flu season. You don’t want to start 2007 off on the wrong foot, so here are some tips for preventing cold and flu viruses from slowing you down in the New Year.

First, remember, there is no “cure” for the common cold – or the flu. Because of this, prevention is very important. Luckily, there are plenty of very simple steps you can take.

For starters, make sure to wash your hands regularly. Like mom always told you, warm, soapy water will do the trick every time. Special attention should be given to teaching your children to follow this simple rule on a regular basis too. Clean hands will go a long way towards reducing your chances of becoming ill.

Of course, the new year is a time when we tend to go to a lot of parties and possibly over-indulge in food and drink. A healthy diet is very important to keeping your immune system running at its most optimum level though, so be especially careful about what you are eating. Make sure to pick on the vegetable sticks as well as the sweets. Remember, alcohol can also weaken your immune system, so watch how much you drink too.

Don’t keep staying up so late either. The stress on your body from not getting enough rest can really weaken your immune system and quickly make you susceptible to cold and flu viruses. It’s much better for your health if you tape those late night shows this time of year and watch them during the day, instead of staying up until the wee hours to watch them.

For many people, this time of year is very cold, which makes it much less tempting to go outside. Don’t get lazy, just because it’s winter though. Your body needs exercise and sun to stay healthy and defend itself against viruses. Participating in vigorous outside winter activities such as skating, skiing or even just a good old snowball fight is just the thing to help you fend off colds and the flu.

If you do feel a cold coming on, get ready for it immediately. Start drinking plenty of water and increase the amount of rest you are getting right away. And whatever you do, don’t ask your doctor for anti-biotics. They are not effective for colds and will only serve to weaken your immune system and make you resistant to certain strains of bacteria your body might need to defend itself against in the future.

If you are at particular high-risk for developing the flu, such as health-care professionals, you might also consider getting a flu vaccination. Discuss the pros and cons of this with your doctor so you can make an informed decision. For one, it might already be too late in the season for vaccination to be effective. Luckily, preventive measure like those above will go a long ways all on their own.

As you can see, the new year need not be a time to fear the dreaded cold and flu. By taking simple preventive steps you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick. Here’s hoping your 2007 starts on healthy and happy footing and continues throughout the year!

James does all he can to stay healthy all year long. When the need arises though, he prefers turning to natural old home remedies. You can discover a huge collection of them free, right now at http://www.HomeRemedyGuide.com.

The best natural home remedy cold and flu is prevention. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make your whole life healthier. If you are you already experiencing the harsh symptoms of the cold or flu, here are many suggestions.



Blow Your Nose Often (And the Right Way)

It’s important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, causing earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.

Treat That Stuffy Nose With Warm Salt Water

Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose. Here’s a popular recipe:Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe to squirt water into the nose. Hold one nostril closed by applying light finger pressure while squirting the salt mixture into the other nostril. Let it drain. Repeat 2-3 times, then treat the other nostril.

Gargle

Gargling can moisten a sore throat and bring temporary relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily.

To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle — such as tea that contains tannin — to tighten the membranes. Seep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.

Relief from muscle aches and chills

Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, a natural muscle relaxant. Eucalyptus oil eases muscle aches and its steam will temporarily relieve sinus congestion.

8 oz Epsom salts

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix the ingredients and add to a hot bath.

Soak for 20 minutes to relieve the aches and chills of a cold or flu.

Eat Well

Even if you don’t feel like eating when you are sick, nutritious food is important to eat.

Avoid sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and any processed foods Just a small amount of sugar has been proven to impair white blood cells up to 50% for very short periods of time. Milk, cheese and other dairy products are mucous enhancing and stuff you up even more.

Boost Immune System

Maintaining a healthy strong immune system is the best remedy in preventing you in getting the nasty symptoms of a cold or the flu. Since there is no cure to the common cold or the flu, our bodies must run its course to fight against the viruses. When you boost immune system, you can decrease the longevity and harshness of the symptoms

Take Health Supplements

Supplements are needed because our bodies can not produce the nutrients necessary to maintain optimum health. There are many nutrients needed in order to maintain a strong immune system. It is very challenging in the world we live in to obtain sufficient nutrition with the foods available to us. They are void of many essential nutrients and over processed. Additionally, food is grown in soils that have been saturated and over-planted with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Vitamin and mineral deficiency subjects us to more diseases, aging, sickness, and the weakening of our immune system.

Isabelle S. Mihajlov is a mother of five and loves sharing with people on how to strengthen your immune system , avoid medical costs, and enjoy life free of sickness and disease. Sign up for a Free Journey To Optimal Health Mini Course

Relenza (Zanamivir) Information:



Relenza is a medicine used to treat Influenza, or “flu”, which is caused by a virus infection. Relenza contains zanamivir.

Using a Diskhaler device, Relenza is delivered directly to the primary site of infection in the lungs. It works by destroying a chemical on the surface of the influenza virus. This stops the virus multiplying and spreading throughout the nose, lungs and air passages.

Best results are obtained by taking Relenza as soon as possible after developing symptoms.

Relenza does not work for the common cold or virus infections other than influenza.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Relenza has been prescribed for you.

Relenza can be used in the treatment of influenza type A and B in children over the age of 5 years.

There is limited experience with the use of Relenza in elderly patients (65 years and older). The same dose is recommended in elderly patients.

How to take Relenza

The Pharmacist’s label on the pack will tell you how to take your Relenza. If there is something you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You should start taking Relenza as soon as possible, preferably within two days, after developing symptoms to get the best effect.

If you suffer from asthma, you may need to use your reliever medication before taking Relenza. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Relenza comes as a fine powder. This powder is in small pockets (known as blisters) in a round foil sheet, known as a Disk. The medicine in your Relenza Disk is taken by breathing it in through your mouth using the Relenza Diskhaler. Follow the instruction sheet that is in the box containing your Diskhaler.

You should breathe in the contents of two blisters, twice a day (usually morning and evening), for five days.

Do not miss any doses. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you take too much (overdose) immediately telephone your doctor. If you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Relenza, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Please see other Swine Flu treatments: Tamiflu.

Relenza is a medicine used to treat Influenza, or “flu”, which is caused by a virus infection. Relenza contains zanamivir.