Cold and Flu Prevention: The Best Offence is a Strong Defence
Colds and flus are now making the rounds. Natural medicine can increase your ability both to stay healthy and to recover from any cold or flu virus that you do contract.
Hygiene is very important in preventing viruses from getting into your body in the first place. This means don't touch your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth, without washing your hands first. Cold and flu viruses can be spread through the air, and when you pick them up from an object recently handled by an infected person.
One metre is a reasonable distance to keep away from an ill person, as gravity will cause most viruses to fall before they reach you. However coughing and sneezing can propel viruses great distances. If you are ill, be sure to cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
Once a virus has entered your body, it is up to your immune system to deal with it. The combination of how strong you are, and how strong the virus is, will determine how ill you become, or if you even get sick at all. Maintaining general good health by eating well, exercising, and controlling stress will help to maintain strong immunity. There are many natural medicines which can boost your immunity. Echinacea, a popular herb, is safe for most people, as is garlic. Safe dosages of vitamins A, C and zinc are nutrients which the immune system requires when fighting a virus. There are many other less well known supplements which can improve immunity, depending on your needs and level of health. Homeopathic remedies can be helpful as well, and are generally considered quite safe, even in small children.
Hydrotherapy is a traditional method of prevention and treatment. Following a hot shower or bath with 30 seconds of cool water has been shown to decrease the incidence of colds and flus. One traditional treatment for the strong of heart consists of putting on a pair of cold wet cotton socks under dry wool socks, and sleeping overnight. Hyperthermia, or hot water treatments can be used to artificially increase the body temperature, which assists the immune system in fighting the virus. Having a hot bath is an example of using hyperthermia.
If you are ill, be sure to rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. While most natural remedies and treatments are safe, if you have any health issues, are pregnant, nursing, or treating infants or small children, you should consult a health care provider versed in natural medicine. If you do not recover quickly, or seem to catch every cold and flu that comes around you should also consult with your health care provider.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.