Cold and flu

If you already have a cold, you are more likely to spread it to others if you don’t wash your hands after you cough or sneeze. Going to school or doing your normal activities probably won’t make you feel any worse. But it will increase the likelihood that your cold will spread to classmates or friends. You may want to put some of your everyday activities on the back burner until you’re feeling better.

The problem with colds and flu is that there is not much your doctor can do except provide you with sympathy, and tell you what you already know: “Rest, take a pain-reliever, and drink plenty of fluids.”

Keep this self-care information on hand for the next time you come down with a cold or the flu.

1. Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve headache, muscle ache, and fever.

2. Rest (in bed if necessary).If you feel well enough to be up and about, OK. Just take it easy.You’re most contagious the one to four days before you come down with symptoms — not while you’re ill.

3. Drink plenty of liquids.Your body needs extra fluids when you have a fever.Also, extra fluids help keep the mucous more liquid, which can help prevent bacterial complications such as ear infections and bronchitis. Salty liquids (e.g. chicken soup, bouillon) can help with dizziness.

4. If you have a headache or cough, or are congested, a vaporizer can help you feel better and breathe easier. A steamy shower works, too. Warm washcloths on your forehead and upper cheeks can help relieve sinus congestion.

HEAD COLD SYMPTOMS

# Sore throat

# Runny and/or stuffy nose # Cough

# Congested ears

# Headache, dizziness

# Swollen glands

# Fever, chills

INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS

# Sore throat and nasal congestion (sometimes)

# Muscle aches (sometimes very uncomfortable)

# Dry cough

# Headache, dizziness

# Fatigue

# Fever, chills

STOMACH FLU SYMPTOMS

# nausea, vomiting

# Abdominal cramps, diarrhea

Supplements that may help

Vitamin C will not prevent a cold, but may shorten the duration or minimise the symptoms.

Echinacea stimulates the immune system to mount an attack against the virus.

A few drops of Eucalyptus oil in hot water make a good decongestant to inhale.

What else can you do?

Wash your hands often to reduce the risk of infection.

Use a humidifier in winter to keep indoor air moist

Fact

People who eat live yoghurt regularly have 25% fewer colds.

WAU