|
|
|
|
About 62 million cases of the common cold occur each year.
Children get about 6-10 colds every year, adults on average 2-4 yearly.
The common cold is one of the major reasons for doctor visits every year and a leading cause of missed days from school and work.
The economic impact of the common cold is enormous.
There is currently NO CURE for the common cold. More than 200 different viruses can cause cold & flu symptoms.
A person will not "catch a cold" by being chilled out in cold weather. Indoors is the place where most people probably become infected with these viruses.
|
We are heading towards a change in season and the winter weather will soon be on its way. This is a good time to take action and guard against falling prey to dreaded cold &
flu viruses. People with a common cold have a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. The cold symptoms are concentrated in the throat and nose. Typical symptoms of a
cold include sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and runny or congested nose.
During the first three days that you have cold symptoms, you are contagious. Colds have milder
symptoms than the flu. The flu is contagious, spreads easier than colds and creates the achiness of muscles with fever, chills and headaches. It affects the entire body versus
the cold being concentrated in the throat or nose. Both are caused by viruses. These viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth. Both colds
and flu can have a duration from 4 - 14 days in normal conditions without complications. Flu can lead to serious secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
The energy levels of the cold & flu sufferer are low and this affects daily performances, leaving the individuals feeling exhausted. Fatigue may linger for up to three weeks in
flu sufferers.
|
|
Here are some common sense methods to prevent the spread of these viruses and to get relief from the symptoms of colds & flu:
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces regularly as viruses can live for as long as three hours on surfaces and skin.
- Practice frequent and thorough hand washing. Washing your hands can reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu by up to 50 per cent.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. These viruses can become airborne and spread to infect others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as viruses can be transmitted to your own nose if you touch your face.
- Get adequate rest. Your recovery period will be determined by the amount of rest you give to your body. Rest is an excellent opportunity for your body to fix all irregularities and to restore itself. You need to keep up your strength in order to recover without developing complications. Sleep is an important part of staying healthy.
- Eat well so that your body is not deprived of necessary nutrients.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water so that your body has plenty of fluid and doesn't become dehydrated.
- Minimize stress levels.
- Never take antibiotics to treat colds & flu, because they are caused by viruses and antibiotics do not kill viruses. It is the secondary bacterial infections that are often properly treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may also weaken your immune system in the long run.
|
|
The key to a cure for colds and flu's lies in your body's immune system. We can either aid or inhibit the immune system by the things we eat, drink or do. A poorly functioning
immune system may contribute to frequent cold & flu symptoms. The best solution is to keep your immune system in peak condition all year round. Maintaining a healthy immune
system is the primary way to help protect yourself against getting an excessive number of colds and flu. The answer is a combination of proper diet, reduction of stress,
moderate exercise, hand washing and liquids in volume. Stay healthy with these lifestyle basics!
|
|
|
If you enjoy our newsletter and our website, please let your friends know.
Share this newsletter with them.
This month one subscriber who forwards our newsletter to 10 friends will be the lucky winner of an easiHEALTH WINTER COLD & FLU HAMPER (Viral Shield 60's, Bronchoshield
Cough Syrup 200ml, Immune Booster 20's & Energy Tonic 200ml): VALUE - R300
