Surviving The Flu Season

Flu Season Suggestions

The main difference between the common cold and the flu (Influenza) is the severity of the symptoms. 

·        If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and a hacking cough, you probably have a COLD. 

·        If you have a high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, extreme tiredness and a dry cough, you probably have the FLU.

Be Sure to have the following two remedies on hand:

*   Oscillococcinum

To be taken at the "first sign" of Flu symptoms. 

Oscillococcinum can be purchased at your local health food store.
Buy the box with 5-6 tubes in the box. 

Keep one tube at home, one tube in your purse, one tube at the office etc.
The instructions on the box instruct to take the whole tube as a dose, however it is only necessary to take 1-3 pills as a dose

If you are exposed to people who have the Flu
Take 3 pills dry of Influenzinum:

*   Influenzinum 200c  which can be purchased from many Homeopathic pharmacies worldwide  
     In the USA I suggest:

Natural Health Supply, 6410 Avenida Christina, Santa Fe, NM 87507 USA
Toll Free: (888) 689-1608, Local: (505) 474-9175
Order Influenzinum 200c               

Tips to prevent catching a cold or flu

As there are no cures for the cold or the Flu, the key to avoid catching a cold or flu is prevention. 

There are several measures you can take to minimize your exposure to the viruses responsible for colds and flus, including behavioral, environmental and pharmacological strategies.

Limit exposure

1. Wash your hands

Maintaining strict hygiene is vitally important during the cold and flu season. Colds and flus can be spread via aerosol droplets created by coughing and sneezing, and by touching surfaces that infected individuals may have been in contact with. The virus most frequently enters your body when you touch your nose, mouth or eyes with infected hands. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

 It is best to make a habit of washing hands for at least 10-15 seconds in warm soapy water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. 

Teach children to wash their hands as well. if you do not have access to water, you can use an alcohol-based disinfectant hand gel with at least 60% alcohol content. 

2. Avoid crowds and sick people

Sometimes it is difficult to avoid sick people, as people who are infectious may not have any symptoms in the early stages of their illness. Try to avoid people who you know have a cold or flu, and stay away from crowded areas during flu season to reduce your chance of infection. This is particularly important for infants in the first few months of life.

3. Disinfect surfaces

 Keep household surfaces clean (e.g. door knobs, switches and telephones) as they can harbor viruses for several hours. Wipe and disinfect these surfaces regularly. Also use separate towels or paper towels in kitchens and bathrooms for infected individuals. Throw tissues out immediately after use as they can spread the virus to surfaces.

Practice Healthy Habits

 

If you are healthy, your immune system is stronger and better able to fight infection. You can enhance your body’s natural resistance mechanisms by eating well, remaining physically active despite the cold weather, and getting enough sleep.

1. Eat and sleep well

Eating a balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to help the immune system fight infection. Eat foods containing phytochemicals such as dark green, red and yellow fruit and vegetables. Eating yogurt daily can reduce your chances of catching a cold by 25%.

Getting plenty of sleep also helps boost the functioning of your immune system.

2. Reduce stress

People who are under stress tend to have weakened immune systems, so are more likely to get sick and experience more severe symptoms. In addition, people who are more sociable are less likely to get sick. If you are run down or stressed, try to incorporate some relaxation techniques into your life. If you remain relaxed, your immune system produces more of the chemicals needed to fight infection.

3. Stop smoking

Smokers are more prone to respiratory illness than nonsmokers, and experience more severe and frequent colds. This is because cigarette smoke dries out nasal passages and paralyzes the hairs that line the mucous membranes, which normally act to sweep viruses out of the nasal passages. Nonsmokers should take care to avoid secondhand smoke.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercise, helps keeps you fit and gives your immune system a boost, enabling it to function more effectively. Exercise can increase the number of virus-killing cells in your body. It may not prevent all infections, but it can speed up recovery and reduce the intensity of symptoms.

However, heavy exercise is not recommended. Don’t overdo it if you are suffering from a cold or flu, as this can exacerbate your illness. Moderate exercise (e.g. walking) can help alleviate some of the cold symptoms.

5. Regulate humidity

Other ways to avoid catching a cold are to ensure your house is not overheated, and to increase the humidity by using cool mist humidifiers or vaporizers. The low humidity created by heating dries out the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, making you more vulnerable to infection. Low humidity also provides an environment that encourages viruses to survive and thrive. Make sure you go out and get fresh air to counteract the drying effects of indoor heating.

Be Well,
Lynn

© Lynn Cremona 2012, all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care.