How to Avoid a Cold or Flu Part 3 of 3

While the common cold and the flu share many symptoms, they are very different animals. And it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Both are respiratory illnesses, both are caused by one of hundreds of different viruses. Both can keep you out of work. Both can cause family members and work associates to run for the hills to avoid you.

Many supplements have a long history of preventing or shortening illness. But you should check with your doctor first.

Here are my go-tos: (1) Swanson Superior Herbs Elderberry Echinacea Goldenseal Immune Complex. Some studies show that Echinacea works to reduce the length and severity of colds up to 30%. (Swanson products, approved by ConsumeLab.com, are not contaminated with heavy metals); (2) zinc lozenges work on the throat to kill viruses and lessen cold symptoms; (3) Vitamin D-3 prevents D deficiency and reduces the risk of a cold, the flu, and respiratory infections like pneumonia. Try to get in the sun at least 15-20 minutes a day without sun screen and without long sleeves. (4) Vitamin C in a high-enough dose that will not upset your stomach or cause diarrhea seems to boost the immune system.

■ The Cold or the Flu.
The common cold is a minor respiratory illness, although a bad cold rarely seems minor. Symptoms include a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and a cough but usually not serious enough for hospitalization. The flu shares most symptoms but they are much more intense and often include a high fever and serious health issues.

■ Sore throat.
The first symptom of both a cold and the flu is usually a raw, painful, inflamed sore throat that seems to radiate to your ears. Take immediate action. Once an hour on the hour, gargle with a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in 2 teaspoons of water. Every half hour, gargle with a ½ teaspoon of salt in 4 tablespoons of warm water. Hold both solutions in your throat as long as possible before spitting out. While saltwater does not kill viruses, high concentrations of sodium chloride seem to denature some viral proteins and interfere with a virus’ attempt to infect cells.

■ Runny or stuffy nose
The nose is the entry into the body for more than 90 percent of all infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Symptoms begin with watery secretions that change to thick mucus. Alkolol, an antiseptic nasal wash has been used to clear the sinuses and prevent mucus build up since the 19^th century.  I use it, I love it!

The flu is a more serious respiratory illness caused by different viruses from a cold. And can include an intense fever alternating with chills. Colds are rarely accompanied by a fever over 101 degrees, often with no fever at all. As with cold viruses, flu viruses enter the body mainly through the nose, and through mucus membranes in the eyes and mouth. But the flu can cause complications including viral or bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections and sinus infections, and muscle inflammation. On a more serious note, the flu can worsen conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes.