Immune Support for Cold and Flu
Naturopathic Medicine in the
Prevention And Treatment of
Immune Challenges
How to Prevent and Fight a Cold or Flu
The common cold and influenza viruses are a part of modern life. However, when we get a cold or Flu, they can be very disruptive to our daily routines, work, family and income.
We have specific treatments to minimise this disruption and reduce your chances of getting sick from a cold or flu.
Our goal is to reduce the risk of a mild condition turning into a full-blown respiratory infection. If treated in the early stages, most mild conditions will subside.
Get Back on Track Boost Your Recovery
If a cold or flu finds its way to you and is stopping you from performing at your best, we can recommend a herbal or nutritional formula with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and immune-boosting power to help get you back on track. If you like to shorten the duration of your cold and flu. Book Now and ask about our Cold and Flu Survival Kit to prevent and treat colds or flu.
Cold and Flu
Rescue Book
Home Remedies Guide
Prevention is better than cure, never more true today with new strains and variants of viruses emerging. Muscle up your immune system and get through this season. Applying the suggestions and making remedies to treat the early symptoms will reduce the risk of a respiratory virus from progressing to a more severe condition, such as pneumonia.
Learn How To Make Home Remedies
Prevent and treat the early symptoms of colds and flu with a range of easy-to-make home remedies—made from ingredients found in the pantry or supermarket.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold or Flu
The signs between cold and flu can look similar, but in fact, they differ. Cold symptoms start slowly and get worse over time. Influenza on the other hand symptoms appear more rapidly, and the signs are more severe. Check the lists below to give you an idea of what you may be dealing with. It is wise to see a health professional for proper diagnosis. These checklists are a guide only.
Cold Symptoms Checklist
◻︎ Sudden onset, within a few hours
◻︎ It affects the whole respiratory system
◻︎ Fever over 38 C (100.4 F)
◻︎ Aching muscles, especially your back, arms and legs
◻︎ Sweats
◻︎ Dry cough, no or little mucus
◻︎ Wheezing
◻︎ Fatigue, no or little energy
◻︎ Nasal congestion
◻︎ Sore throat
◻︎ Feel cold, chills
◻︎ Headaches
◻︎ Stuffy and runny nose
Flu Symptoms Checklist
◻︎ Sudden onset, within a few hours
◻︎ It affects the whole respiratory system
◻︎ Fever over 38 C (100.4 F)
◻︎ Aching muscles, especially your back, arms and legs
◻︎ Sweats
◻︎ Dry cough, no or little mucus
◻︎ Wheezing
◻︎ Fatigue, no or little energy
◻︎ Nasal congestion
◻︎ Sore throat
◻︎ Feel cold, chills
Why is Cold and Flu Prevalent in Winter?
Cold air affects our first line of defence. The common cold and flu viruses gain entry through our nose. The mucous lining in our nose has a sophisticated defence system to guard against colds and flu microbes. Viruses are trapped the nose’s mucous lining and immobilised in the mucous secretion. The body regularly clears this mucus by swallowing. This mucus ends up in the stomach, where acids neutralise the viruses.
The air in winter drys the nasal passage and slows down this mucus clearance. As a result, more viruses get through the first line of defence and this viral load can become overwhelming for the immune system. Symptoms appear like a runny nose, fever or cough as our body’s defence mechanisms work hard to rid the invading viruses.
Complications of Cold and Flu?
Usually, a cold starts in the nose and goes to the throat. It may travel down the windpipe to the lungs. Complications occur with time and the deeper the virus goes into the body. The flu has a more sudden onset and can progress rapidly. It is wise to treat your colds and flu as soon as possible to prevent lung infection, bronchitis or pneumonia — if you suspect you have any of these conditions, please see your healthcare professional immediately.
Bronchitis
Cold and influenza viruses can also aggravate existing ailments like asthma and bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airway and reduction of air to the lungs. Viruses are a common cause acute bronchitis. Symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and mucolytic cough may be present.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another common occurrence of colds and flu. Symptoms like lethargy, dry mouth, darker-coloured urine, and light-headedness may occur.
Ear Infections
Colds and flu can cause ear infections, this is more common in children due to the eustachian tubes that drains fluid out of the ear are smaller, when inflamed become blocked.
High Blood Pressure
Viral infections can cause heart complications like increased blood pressure. If you experience chest pain that may resemble a heart attack, see a doctor immediately.
What Causes Cold and Flu Headaches?
A common symptom of a cold or influenza is headaches caused by inflammation produced by cytokines (signalling molecules that regulate immunity to help fight infection). Blocked sinus is another cause of a headache as the mucus pressure builds up in the sinuses.
What’s a Good Cold and Flu Remedy?
Here are some simple remedies you can do at home or pick up at your local health food store. See also “Cold and Flu Rescue Book“. If you need some professional help call me.
- Add garlic to meals try the “Garlic Elixir“
- Ginger tea
- Home Made Cough Mixture
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
- Echinacea
- Rest
- Keep warm
- Blow your nose regularly to clear the mucus
Cold & Flu, What to Drink to Keep Hydrated
Keep your fluids up to prevent dehydration. Hydration helps loosen mucus in your nose and relieve congestion. Drink 2-3 litres of water per day. Honey and lemon drink can also help to soothe the throat as well as keep you hydrated.
Cold & Flu, What to eat?
Light meals like; steamed vegetables, soups, vegetable broth, toast, rice, stewed pear and apple. Chicken Soup for Colds and Flu” Cold and Flu Rescue Book“
Ask a Healthcare Professional, Cold and Influenza Can Get Nasty
The suggestions in this page are general in nature and are for educational purpose only. The recommendations do not take into account your specific needs. Before you make changes to your routine or embark on any herbal or nutritional supplements, it is wise to check with your healthcare professional.
No viruses should be taken lightly. If the cold or flu symptoms don’t resolve quickly, seek medical advice from your healthcare professional.
Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and or yellow or green mucus, should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. Children with a persistent cough should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Chicken soup for colds & flu’s
Chicken soup has a long history as a remedy for symptom relief for upper respiratory tract infections like colds and flu. Scientific research has confirmed that chicken soup has a mild anti-inflammatory effect which is thought to provide symptomatic relief in these upper respiratory tract infections.
Tips to Avoid Catching Colds
- Germs don’t fly, they hitchhike. Wash your hands properly and keep them away from your nose and mouth.
- Germs travel on almost anything, on phones, handrails and door handles. Wash your hands regularly.
- Always use tissues once only throwing them in the bin/trash.
- Always wash your hands after blowing your nose.
- Don’t share cups glasses or eating utensils especially at work.
- Change your toothbrush if you have a sore throat and clean it daily.
How to Combat
Colds and Flu
- Don’t share towels, change your pillowcase every day.
- Rest when possible
- Reduce sugar intake your immune system will appreciate it.
- If you get sick, keep hydrated, drink plenty of water defiantly no tea or coffee.
- While you are sick reduce mucus forming foods by eliminating dairy, wheat products and red meats.
- Blocked noses respond well to steam inhalations and essential oils like eucalyptus. A saline nasal spray is also helpful.