What is a cold?
The common cold is caused by a viral infection and commonly effects our nose, throat and respiratory system. There are dozens of different cold viruses, once the body is exposed to one, generally, in a healthy person, that virus would not cause an infection a second time around. However because there are so many different types of viruses that cause the common cold or flu this is why we may be subject to acquiring a cold once or twice each year.
How can I prevent a cold?
The common cold is generally passed on from person to person via droplet infection e.g. through coughing or sneezing.
Practical ways to prevent contracting and passing on a cold include:
4 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer gel
4 Minimise contact with people that may have cold or flu symptoms
4 Keeping your mouth and nose covered when coughing or sneezing to help prevent virus being passed onto others.
Help boost your immune system:
4 Get plenty of rest! The body and immune system can function much better on a good night’s sleep which usually consists of 8 hours each day.
4 Diet – eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables every day
4 Keep well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day
Important Supplements include:
4 Zinc – an integral mineral in the functioning of the immune system efficiently and effectively
4 Echinacea – herbal supplement shown to help enhance white blood cell activity in the body, it may assist in reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
4 Vitamin C – an oldie but a goodie – Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant along with enhancing immune response.
4 Vitamin A – helps to support a healthy surface barrier for the respiratory and digestive tracts
4 Olive Leaf Extract – another potent antioxidant with antiviral properties.
What should I do about the flu?
The flu is also caused by a virus, usually of the influenza variety and is accompanied by similar but more severe symptoms than a cold and the symptoms may last much longer. Generally speaking most people will get very sick with “the flu” but will recover, some people with lowered immune response. The very elderly, young and those with chronic health conditions however the effects can be far worse. All the above points are equally as important for flu prevention. People in higher risk groups such as those mentioned already and those working in industries where they may come into contact with people suffering from the flu could consider vaccination. Each year a flu vaccine is released which aims to help create immunity in the body against the most likely forms of influenza virus that could be prevalent for the coming year. This year’s flu vaccine is now available – talk to your GP or pharmacist for more information on these.
Should I see the doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should consider seeing your GP as soon as possible…
Þ Breathlessness or chest pain
Þ An increase in asthma like symptoms
Þ Ear-ache or facial ache
Þ Rusty coloured or blood-stained mucous from the nose or chest
Þ High fever (fever 38 degrees Celsius or above)
Þ Cough which persists for greater than 1 week.
