Immune support for colds & flu
Naturopathic prevention and treatment for immune challenges
How to survive, prevent and fight a cold or flu
This page is dedicated to prevention and treatment of cold and flu. Our goal is to reduce the risk a mild condition turning into a full blown respiratory infection. If treated in the early stages most mild conditions will subside. I hope you find these sugestions and tools useful.
- Cold & Flu survival Kit
- Cold & Flu checklist
- Cold symptoms checklist
- Flu symptoms checklist
- Why Cold & Flu are more prevalent in winter?
- What are the complication Colds & Flu?
- What causes Cold & Flu headaches?
- Whats a good Cold & Flu remedy?
- Cold & Flu what to drink to keep hydrated?
- Cold & flu, what to eat?
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What to do if you have a Cold or Flu
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. Arrange Your FREE No-Obligation Meeting
Cold & flu Survival Kit
We have put together a cold & flu survival package to prevent and shorten the duration of cold or flu, with a full set of instructions. We will even include a 15-minute free phone consultation with each kit sold. Only available to Australia clients contact us to order a cold & flu survival package.
Cold & flu Checklist
The signs between cold & flu can look similar, but in fact, they differ:
- Cold symptoms start off typically slowly and get worse over time
- The flu on the overhand symptoms appear more rapidly, and the signs are more serve.
Check the lists below to see what symptoms you have to give you an idea of what you may be dealing with. It is wise to confirm your condition and see a health professional this checklist is guide only.
Cold Symptoms Checklist
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Mild aches and pains
- Mild headache
- Mild fever
- Feeling unwell generally
Flu Symptoms Checklist
- Fever over 38 C (100.4 F)
- Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs
- Sweats
- Dry cough, no or little mucus
- Fatigue, no or little energy
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Feel cold, chills
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Stuffy and runny nose
Why are colds and flu more 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 snot. The body regularly clears this mucus by swallowing. This mucus ends up in the stomach where acids neutralise the viruses.
However, the air in winter drys the nasal passage and slows down this mucus clearance, more viruses get through the first line of defence, the virus load can become overwhelming the immune system, this is when symptoms appear like a runny nose, fever, cough as our body’s defence mechanisms work hard to rid the invading viruses.
What are Complications 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 that you have any of these conditions see your doctor. Viruses or bacteria can also aggravate existing ailments like asthma. Bronchitis which is inflammation of the airway leading to the lungs reduces the amount of air. Cold & flu virus common causes of acute bronchitis. Symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and mucolytic cough may be present.
Dehydration is another commonly occurrence of colds and flu. Symptoms like lethargy, dry mouth, darker-coloured urine, and light headed. Colds & Flu can cause ear infections this is more common in children due to the tube that drains fluid out of the ear (eustachian tube) are smaller and when inflamed become blocked. Viral infections can cause heart complications like increased blood pressure. If you experience chest pain that may resemble a heart attack go to the hospital immediately.
Cold and influenza viruses may lead to viral pneumonia, symptoms like shortness of breath, deep coughing, highly productive cough, sore ribs, feeling weak and fatigued see your doctor. The flu virus can also cause muscle aches as the inflammation damages muscle fibres. These symptoms usually resolve themselves once the infection is gone, in some cases, this can become a chronic condition.
What causes Cold & Flu headaches?
A common symptom of cold or flu 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 sinus cavity.
What’s a Good Cold and Flu Remedy?
Here are some simple remedies you can do at home or pick up at your locate health food store. See also “12 Naturals to Consider This winter.” If you need some professional help call me.
- Add garlic to meals try the “garlic elixir“
- ginger tea
- Onion remedy for sore throats
- Vegetable both
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
- Echinacea
- Rest
- Keep warm
- Blow your nose regularly to clear your nose
Cold & Flu, What to drink to keep hydrated
keep your fluids up to prevent dehydration, hydration helps losses the mucus in your nose and relieve congestion
- Water
- Lemon and honey drink
- Ginger tea
- Chamomile tea
Cold & Flu, What to eat?
- Soups like the chicken soup recipe in our free ebook
- Light meals like toast, rice, stew pear and apple.
- Steamed vegetables
- porridge
Know when to seek medical help, cold and flu can get nasty. A persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever, and any a cough which is productive or yellow or green mucous should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Precaution: A child with a cough, and fever that spikes at 38.5°C you need to have a plan to manage the temperature, a high fever can quickly turn into a febrile convulsion. Seek medical help if you have any doubts about your child’s well-being, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, see a doctor even if there are no other symptoms.
If your child has problems with breathing take them to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.
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.
6 Tips to Avoid Catching Cold & Flu
- 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.
6 Ways to Combat
a Cold & 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.
How to use Ganoderma tea to fight viral infections
Boost your immune system to fight viral infections. The Ganoderma lucidum, common name reishi mushroom is hard when dried. It boosts the immune system in viral and bacterial infections. So to make a tea, you need to either use an infusion or a decoction method. A...