You have just started feeling the sniffles, achy, runny nose and ohh.. so tired. Oh no! You are the lucky one this year.
We all know at this point what the symptoms of a cold are, but we need to pay special attention when is the flu.
- Should you be concerned or just let your body fight the virus?
- Are you confused and wondering whether the symptoms you are experiencing are those of a cold or the flu?
- Should you take OTC medications to mask the symptoms instead of boosting your immune system to fight the virus naturally?
If I was you, I'd take the last choice, but I know It can get frustrating to guess in order to take a course of action- specially if it is the flu. That's why I decided to dig a little deeper to try and debunk some of the myths.
Let's see how they both defer...
The flu, more scientifically known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus usually enters the body through mucus membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The common cold on the other hand usually causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other mild symptoms. See the table below and compare the difference of symptom onset:
What Causes The Flu
The flu virus is usually prominent from October through May, the time of year typically known as "flu season."
When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus then becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. You can also get the flu if you have touched a contaminated surface like a telephone or a doorknob and then touch your nose or mouth. Of course, the risk of infection is greater in highly populated areas like schools, buses, and crowded urban settings
Influenza virus is one of the most changeable of viruses. Changes may be small and continuous or large and abrupt.
- Influenza Type A is divided into sub-types that can be found worldwide and include H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 viruses.
- Influenza Type B outbreaks can also cause epidemics, but the illness it produces is usually milder than Type A.
- Influenza Type C flu viruses are not thought to cause a large epidemic and generally cause only mild respiratory infections.
Treatment and Prevention of a Cold or The Flu
It is almost difficult to prevent getting a cold or the Flu,especially if you are surrounded by people on a daily basis. However, you can slash the chances by washing your hands constantly, try not rub your nose, mouth, and eyes after touching surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons or shaking someone's hand.
One of your best preventive measures is by eating immune boosting foods like plenty of vegetables, vegetable juices, pastured raised meats, fresh fruits and drinking plenty of water and fluids. I love herbal teas, tisanes and of course smoothies. Additionally, you can supplement with Vitamin C
If you already have the Flu for example, but don't like to take synthetic medications you'll find the natural remedies below very helpful. These are my go-to and favorite and are among the most powerful natural remedies to you get rid of the Flu faster and lessen flu symptoms.
[note note_color="#e2ceab"]Tip:
[/note]
To view a larger version of the image below click here:
Question: How do you get through a cold or the flu? Do you have a favorite natural remedy to beat either? Leave a comment below to share your experiences.
References
http://www.flufacts.com/know/what-is.jspImage source Edouardo
