Colds, Flu and Immunity

Why do we get Colds and Flu?

No matter how healthy we are, it is very likely that at some time we will get a cold or flu. Colds and Flu are caused by viruses and there are hundreds of types of viruses that our immune systems have to try and combat.

It is actually good for our immune system, and helps strenghten it, to get a cold/flu once or twice a year.


What is the Immune System?

The immune system is made up of special white blood cells ( the 'soldiers' ) that fight infections that invade our bodies.

Every time a 'battle' occurs with an infection, the immune system remembers the germ that attacked. This mean if the boy comes in contact with that germ again, it can destroy the microbe more quickly and it doesn't have so much of an impact on the body.

Some infections, like influenza and common cold, have to be fought many times because there are so many different types of viruses that cause them.


Symptoms of a Cold

Colds, or upper respiratory tract infections, are the most common cause of illness.
It is viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, throat and large airways.

There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold which can be spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact. Becoming chilled does not cause colds, nor does it increase a person's susceptibility to infection.

Symptoms include :

• Respiratory mucous congestion
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Swollen lymph glands

Symptoms of the Flu

Influenza (flu) is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus,which can be spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.

There are two types of flu virus, type A and B, and many different strains within each type. The strain of virus causing outbreaks and world epidemics is always changing, so for vaccines to be effective they have to be specific to that viral strain.

Influenza is different fromthe common cold. It is caused by a different virus and produces symptoms that are more severe :

• Fever, chills and sweating
• Muscle aches
• Weakness and malaise
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Cough

Treatment and Herbal and Nutritional supplements for Colds/Flu

Colds/Flu are described as self-limiting which means they 'run their course' as your immune system detects adn eradicates the infection.

Antibiotics do not help people with Colds/Flu because they are only effective against bacterial infections, and Colds/Flu are viral infections. Popular over-the-counter remedies help to relieve symptoms temporarily, but they do not cure the infection.

Rest, drink lots of water, stay warm and avoid spreading the infection to others. Inhaling steam may help to keep secretion loose ad easier to expel.

Many people complain about catching things 'all the time' and getting 'whatever is going around'. By using herbs such as Andrographis, Golden seal, Echinacea and Garlic in combination with Vitamin C, Zinc and other nutrients daily, you can assist with the relief of symptoms, the cause of the infection, and the support of the immune system to help build-up resistance to infections.

In a healthy immune system, a cold should not last more than 10 days. When using remedies,do not expect immediate relief as natural remedies won't suppress the symptoms as some over-the-counter medications will, but the cold will generally be shorter lives - especiallyif you start supplementation within the first 24 - 48 hours of initial symptoms.

VITAMIN C
May improve immune function and decreasethe incidence of common colds.
Reduces symptoms adn duration of colds and upper respiratory tract infections

ZINC
Helps maintain a healthy immune system
Helps relieve mucous congestion
Reduces the severity and duration of the common cold

ANDROGRAPHIS
Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce frequency and severity of colds and upper respiratory tract infections.
Clinical trials have shown Andrographis helps relieve symptoms of tiredness, sleeplessness, sore throat, cough, nasal secretion, headache, earache, coughs.

ECHINACEA
Stimulates the immune system and builds resistance to viral, and bacterial infections
Reduces severity and duration of cols and upper respiratory complaints

GARLIC
Nature's antibiotic - supports the immune system and useful for bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Used to treat mucous congestion, productive coughs, colds, upper respiratory tract infections