Colds and flu
Same but different
Winter is here! And with it comes the dreaded lurgy. But not all winter lurgies are created
equal. A cold is different from actual influenza (or flu). The two do share a few symptoms,
which makes them difficult to tell apart, though.
Firstly, both colds and flu are caused by upper respiratory tract viruses and secondly,
they can both make you feel achy, snotty and miserable.
If you have something brewing, but aren’t quite sure if it is a common cold or a potential flu (which
can be more serious), here’s a handy symptom checker:
Natural ways to shake the lurgy
Eat healthy! It should be super-obvious, but just in case you forgot – include plenty fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods contain the most bioavailable form of vitamins and minerals and cold- and flu-fighting nutrients. If your diet has been a bit poor, consider a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement with added vitamin C in the winter months.
Humidify and hydrate Drink fresh water daily and consider keeping the air in your home and place of work humid by using a humidifier. The extra humidity both inside and out of your body keeps your mucous membranes moist, which makes it easier for them to trap any inhaled germs. Gross, but useful.
Sleep Try to get six to eight hours of good-quality sleep at night. Getting enough zees keeps your immune system healthy and fighting fit.
Blow your nose This keeps your sinuses open and prevents congestion. But blow gently – one nostril at a time. Blowing too hard can force germ-packed mucus up into your sinuses. Cold and flu viruses are spread through nasal and oral secretions, so best keep these areas clean and clear.
Wash your handsScrub thoroughly with soap and water a few times throughout the day to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses. Try spending 10 seconds per wash.
Your kitchen is a pharmacy
• Gargle with saltwater at least twice a day. This has a natural, soothing action for a dry, scratchy throat and the salt solution is antimicrobial too.
• To alleviate a sore throat, boil a combination of water, grated fresh ginger root, the juice of 1 lemon and 2 Tbsp honey. When cooled, sip regularly throughout the day.
• Consume fresh and cooked garlic whenever possible. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which helps to fight infections.
• Have a herbal hot toddy. Brew a combination of dried echinacea and dried elderberry into a tea. One teaspoon of each in 500ml of water; steep for 15 minutes, strain and sweeten with a little honey. This combo contains a high concentration of immune-boosting flavonoids that can help fight infection and reduce inflammation.
home, it is best to seek medical attention
if you experience the following:
• A fever for longer than two days
• Can’t keep any food down
• A headache and/or stiff neck
