COLD & FLU
No one likes to be sick. The sniffling, the sore throat, the coughing ... who has the time to deal with that? Unfortunately, colds and the flu are common enough to warrant an entire season named after them. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help reduce the risk of catching these nasty viruses.
First, however, we'd like to explain the difference:
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Fever
Headache
General Aches, Pains
Fatigue, Weakness
Extreme Exhaustion
Stuffy Nose
Sneezing
Sore Throat
Chest Discomfort, Cough
Rare
Rare
Slight
Sometimes
Never
Common
Usual
Common
Mild to Moderate
Usual, high (100 - 102 °F)
Common
Usual, often severe
Usual, can last weeks
Usual, at the beginning
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometimes
Common, can be severe
Prevention
Although there is no cure for the common cold or the flu, there are certain things that you can do to help reduce your chances of catching either of them.
Wash your hands frequently
Get plenty of rest
Avoid contact with sick individuals
Get your yearly flu shot several weeks before flu season starts
Wipe down cell phones, tablets, and laptops with disinfectant every day
If you are sick, please do your part to reduce the spread of the illness. STAY HOME. Although it is important to share, it's okay to be selfish with your germs.
Fever
Fever in children is more common than with adults when it comes to colds and the flu. For children over 6 months of age, fever below 102 degrees does not need to be treated by a doctor. Simply provide bed rest, plenty of fluids, and be sure they are not overdressed. The severity of the fever is not a direct indication of the severity of the illness as fever is merely a symptom, not the illness itself. If you child is less than 6 months old or has a fever of over 102 degrees, please contact your health care provider.
Elderberry - Nature's Wonder Drug
Sambucus nigra, or the elderberry, is commonly used to treat the flu. It is a rich source of bioflavonoids, tannins, and essential oils. Its extract also inhibits the replication of several strains of influenza viruses A and B.
Adults: Dose 15 ml (3 teaspoons) four times a day for 3-5 days
Children: Dose 15 ml (3 teaspoons) twice a day for 3 days
Steam and/or Water Vapor Treatments
Inhaling steam vapor may decrease sinus discomfort. Adding essential oils (like eucalyptus or mint) to water before bringing to a boil will help treat your sinus and nasal congestion.
Always be careful when handling hot water and steam.
Be sure not to put your face directly above the water source. To check the temperature, hold your hand in the path of the steam several feet above the water source and slowly lower until the steam temperature is warm not but hot.
If you prefer not to use steam (because of the risk of burns or presence of children) consider purchasing a diffuser which aerates the water into vapor, often through vibration, and is more child-friendly. One or two drops of essential oils into the diffuser (following the manufacturer's instructions) will fill the room with the scent and may help open nasal passages. Eucalyptus is especially helpful with ear pain as it can open up the Eustachian tubes and decrease ear pressure.
Make a Rice Sock
Take a large tube sock (preferably new, but at least make sure it's clean) and fill with white rice just to the heel. Securely tie the end off. Then place the sock in a microwave and heat for 2 minutes (the exact time may take some trial and error depending on the power of your microwave). Be careful as it will be hot when you remove it. If it is too hot for direct contact with the skin, wrap in a towel. Then place over the forehead, neck, across the ear, or wherever you have pain to provide relief.
Most Importantly ... Rest
There is no cure for the common cold, or the flu, so why not find the silver lining of being sick? Take a nice, hot bath to help ease the aches and clear some of the stuffiness. Treat yourself to a soothing cup of tea and your favorite movie. Pull out that new murder mystery you've been meaning to finish but have yet to get past chapter one. And while you are relaxing in bed, make sure to drink lots of fluids to help replenish the ones you are losing.