QUESTION:
How can I avoid colds and flu? When is it necessary to see the doctor?
ANSWER:
This is the perfect time of the year for that question. And I’ll take it further. How do we know when it’s the flu, a cold or even allergies?
A COLD generally causes nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing and/or coughing. A cold is a virus and will not respond to antibiotics. So, antibiotics can unnecessarily lower the immune system and can prolong a cold. A cold generally comes on more slowly than the flu and less violently. It usually lasts about seven to ten days, but can last up to three weeks.
The FLU comes on much stronger and more violently than a cold, often with body aches and a high fever. Sometimes a little gastrointestinal involvement rears its ugly head.
ALLERGIES usually last for a whole season and usually coincide with the blooming of certain trees, weeds or flowers. Tiny bumps on the roof of the mouth and itchy eyes are a good sign that allergies are to blame.
Whether you have a cold, the flu or allergies, a secondary bacterial infection can develop. If you have thick, yellow mucus, or a deep cough with shortness of breath, it’s time to see the doctor. A fever is the body’s natural defense. The heat of the fever virtually burns out the viruses, fungi and bacteria. If your fever gets to 102 degrees, you can use a natural aspirin like white willow bark, to bring the fever down. If you have pain in the ear, drainage from the ear, or loss of hearing, see your healthcare provider.
And whether you have a cold, the flu or allergies, below are several natural approaches that can help your immune system to recover more quickly or to prevent these nasty critters from invading your body in the first place:
• Get seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night.
• Exercise at appropriate levels at least three times a week.
• Manage stress in your life.
• Drink plenty of healthy fluids (water, juice, broth or herbal tea) to thin the mucus and allow it to exit your respiratory system more easily.
• Get 20 minutes of sunshine daily for a healthy dose of vitamin D. If that’s not practical (yes, I realize that many of you will be spending the next few months bundled up to the eyeballs for winter), use a natural D3 supplement.
• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for immune-system boosters.
• Avoid mucus producers, like milk and milk products. Sugar is also very acidic and lowers the immune system.
Other important remedies include using a neti pot to irrigate the sinuses, non-acidic natural vitamin C and elderberry lozenges. At the risk of sounding like Barney Fife, the sooner you nip it in the bud, the better. Oops, showing my age!
Hot Tip: Wash hands with hot soapy water immediately when returning home or use natural lotion with tea tree oil as an excellent antibacterial lotion.
Stay well.
Marty Kernion, Ph.D. is not a medical doctor. She has a doctorate in naturopathy. Naturopathy uses natural, gentle ways to bring our bodies back into balance so that they have the God-given ability to heal themselves. She is a retired professor of herbal medicine and nutrition and has written 39 college level courses in natural approaches to health. She has published two books on natural health. She can be reached on askdoctormarty@cox.net for scheduling a class or consultation, or for sending in your questions for this column.
