Ten Ways to Beat the Cold and the Flu Virus this Season

Flu Vaccines in Spring Hill, Florida

Ten Ways to Beat the Cold and the Flu Virus this Season

The cold and flu are medical conditions that are not considered serious illnesses. However, they usually require a significant amount of rest because of the symptoms may be experienced for almost a week. Because the cold is seasonal and viral, antibiotics are no use. And there are simple remedies and precautions which can help in fighting off a cold and keeping it at a safe distance.

Boost the Immune System

A stronger immune system is the best defense against a viral illness such as a cold and the flu. If the immune system can attack the virus and win over it, the person is safe. Thus, it is imperative to take some immune-building nutrition such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and selenium. Vitamin C is quite popular for its cold-preventing properties. There are a lot of supplements available that have these immune-boosting nutrients.

Wash your Hands Frequently

This habit can significantly reduce the risk of contracting a cold and the flu. Washing the hands is particularly important if you are exposed to a crowded place. 4 Corners Pharmacy, a dependable source of health care supplies in Spring Hill, Florida, recommends washing the hands at least five times every day before and after every meal.

Consider Using Herbs

Herbs are natural remedies. Also, they are a common alternative medicine in South East Asian cultures like the Chinese cultures for many years. A mixture of herbs such as cordyceps, rhodiola, and astragalus can prevent and heal a person with a cold or the flu faster. Other anti-viral herbs include lomatium, red root, isatis, and licorice.

Drink Ginger Tea

Add 2-6 cups of ginger tea to your diet to prevent a cold and the flu or limit the sickness’s duration if you have already been contracted with the illness. Ginger has antiviral properties and is an immune-boosting micro-nutrient.

Take Vitamin C

Apart from preventing a cold, vitamin C shortens the duration of a cold. Those who have a cold must consume orange juice because this is full of vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C include strawberries, kiwis, and leafy green vegetables. Those who are taking supplements must follow the recommended daily dosages that the National Institute of Health published. The recommended dosage is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.

Drink Lots of Fluids

If you have been contracted with a cold virus, you need to drink plenty of fluids to counter dehydration that can come with a runny nose. Dehydration can increase the severity of the virus and make a sore throat dry, thus making it more painful. Fluids such as water fruits and vegetables, teas, orange juice, soups, and plain water can help in countering the cold virus.

Gargle with Salt

For a lot of people who have cold, itchy and dry throat is an irritating symptom. Sufferers should gargle with salt water to feel a relief as salt has antiseptic properties and water hydrates the throat. This must be done four times every day.

Consume Honey

Honey has great immune-boosting nutrients and anti-viral properties. Also, it can offer soothing effect to the dry and itchy throat. A spoon of honey can be added to the daily diet or dissolved in a hot cup of water or tea.

Take Some Rest

A lot of studies revealed that rest can limit the cold’s duration if the person already has it. This is because the body needs plenty of energy to combat the virus. The energy gained from rest is directed towards fighting the virus. To ensure the patient does not keep the cold for a long time, he needs to get a proper rest.

When to See a Physician

Often, a patient can handle a cold and the flu by himself with natural remedies and simple precautionary measures. However, in a number of cases, the patient is advised to see his physician. Although the mild temperature is normal, suffering from 101 degrees F for over three days is alarming. Also, the patient must visit his physician if his temperature rises over 103, or he has blood mucus, shortness of breath, earache, or if his symptoms last for more than a week.