The CDC reports that as many as 22 million school days per year are lost to the cold annually. The common cold is a respiratory virus that can affect your throat and sinuses, most frequently causing a cough, sore throat, runny nose and sneezing.
Like the common cold Influenza, or the flu virus like the common cold is an upper respiratory infection, however, the flu can lead to more serious and complicated conditions. Both the common cold and influenza are contagious viruses that you get from a sick individual, directly or indirectly.
Contrary to popular myth and belief, do not catch a cold, or the flu, from being wet or chilly. However, there are certain conditions that can make you more susceptible to contracting the virus, such as heightened emotional stress, weakened immune systems and allergy symptoms that involve the nose or throat.
In the US the most colds occur during the fall and winter months, likely related to the start of school and spending large amounts of time indoors in closer contact with contagious individuals.
Because both the common cold and flu virus are both respiratory infections that cause very similar symptoms, it can be difficult to differentiate based on symptoms alone. Generally speaking, symptoms caused by influenza tend to be more severe and intense.
Additionally, the flu virus often features a feverish temperature and chills, as well as muscle and headaches. To know for sure if you have contracted influenza requires a special test to see which virus is the culprit of your symptoms.
The best method of prevention when it comes to the cold and flu viruses is avoidance or infected people or places where you are in close contact with susceptible populations. Because both the cold and flu viruses are highly contagious you should be sure to keep your hands washed and sanitized, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you find yourself coming down with symptoms of a cold or flu it is important to begin your treatment regimen as soon as possible, in hopes of mitigating the impact of the symptoms.
The CDC recommends anti-viral medication, most commonly Tamiflu, for individuals who get the flu to shorten the length of the condition by about 1 day. If you do not get to the Tamiflu soon enough, there are proven natural remedies that can also help lessen your symptoms.
Oregano oil is has been used by healers for centuries to treat respiratory conditions and possess both antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Olive leaf extract is another powerful immune booster that can be taken for both a cold or flu because of its antiviral and antibacterial effects.
Ginger can be beneficial if your symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
Staying hydrated with plenty of hot tea made with lemon and honey is another cornerstone, and effective method of combating cold and flu symptoms because of the antioxidants provided from vitamin C in the lemons and anti-infectious properties of honey.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
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