Cold and Flu Info

Everyone HATES catching a cold — especially since there are no actual cures for the common cold! All you can really do is get some rest, allow your body time to heal, and treat your symptoms. Instead of agonizing over what the best cold treatments are, I’ve found that the best thing to do is focus on cold prevention! Here are some of the best methods I’ve found for preventing colds:

• Limit contact with people who are infected with the cold virus (especially during the first three days of their sickness)
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose (the cold virus is easily passed when an infected hand touches these body parts)
• Wash your hands frequently (this is most important after you have had contact with people or items that might be contaminated)
• Use a hand sanitizer often (especially if you are unable to wash your hands immediately after potential contamination)
• Keep your body functioning at it’s highest capacity by:

• Taking a multi-vitamin daily
• Taking immune booster products
• Getting lots of rest
• Avoiding stressful situations

Cold viruses are often prevalent in places where a lot of young children gather (schools, daycares, etc.) and where many people share the use of appliances, tools, etc. (workspaces). It is a good idea to take extra precautions when you find yourself frequently in these types of environments.

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The Common Cold
There are over ONE BILLION colds and cases of the flu in the United States every year. The common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose and leads to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, etc. which are a result of the body’s response to the infection. There are currently no known ways to cure a cold, we can only fight the symptoms using medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. The common cold is spread by the cold virus being inserted into your nasal passages either through droplets of fluid, or from contaminated hands touching your nose. The best way to avoid getting a cold is to wash your hands frequently, avoiding touching your mouth and nose, and maintaining distance from people how are infected with the virus.

Influenza (the flu)
Each fall, you may hear advertisements or be told by your doctor to get a flu shot, especially if you fall into a high-risk group. The flu shot is similar to an immunization in that it injects you with a small amount of inactive influenza virus which is supposed to make your body more resistant to being exposed to that virus throughout the winter. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can even lead to death. Influenza should not be confused with other illnesses such as avian flu, swine flu, canine flu, or pandemic flu.

This blog will be focusing on all aspects of the common cold and flu viruses from preventing or avoiding, to treating or managing.

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