Cold and Flu Season: When the Tide is High

Cold and flu season- it is that dreaded time of year when we all cross our fingers, take our Vitamin C, and hope for the best. "Not this year," we plead with our immune systems, "just get me through this one!"

In defense of our immune systems, the odds are stacked against them. In the colder weather we all bundled up together, close off the ventilation from the elements, and share our germs with one another. Maybe we can take this sharing spirit and band together this year to thwart the cold and flu season!

Cold and Flu Season: Know Thine Enemy!
The first step is to recognize what a cold is and what the flu is. Both are respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses, and they are often confused with one another. The symptoms of cold and flu are often remarkably similar, as well. However, a cold and the flu are caused by different viruses, and can have very different consequences.

Symptoms of the common cold include stuffy nose, sneezing, congestion, and sore throat, mild to moderate chest discomfort, coughing, and mild aching and fatigue. A cold will rarely be accompanied by fever or headaches, or extreme exhaustion.

Symptoms of the flu may also include stuffy nose, sneezing, congestion, sore throat, discomfort, coughing, and fatigue. Although many of these symptoms may be more severe than one would experience with a common cold, their similarity to the symptoms experienced during a cold often lead people suffering from the flu to chalk their suffering up to a simple cold virus. People suffering from the flu may also experience high fever, headaches, severe aches and pains, extreme exhaustion, and chest discomfort that may become severe.

Of particular concern for people suffering from the flu is the tendency the malady has to develop into another, more serious illness. Some of the most common of these illnesses include bronchitis, and pneumonia. In extreme cases, the flu can be life threatening. (WebMD)

Cold and Flu Season: Out Damn Spot!
The first and most effective treatment for a cold or the flu is to prevent yourself from coming down with a case of either in the first place. Although this can be a tall order when we're all huddled up, barricaded together against the cold winter weather, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your likelihood of succumbing to cold and flu season.

You've heard it a million times, but simple observation of the people around you will confirm that there is still a long way to go before the message truly sinks in... wash your hands! Proper hand hygiene is your first and best defense against falling victim to cold and flu season. Both illnesses are transmitted from infected parties to healthy hosts by the transmittal of germs. These germs do not need to be transferred to you directly by the poor bugger with the bug, anything he or she has touched will do. Washing your hands often, and doing so properly, will help to decrease your risk of infection. Rhinoviruses can live for up to three hours.

The sanitizing of commonly shared or passed items, such as toys, telephone receivers, and doorknobs, will also help to curtail the spread of germs during cold and flu season. Discarding disposable items like tissues and disposable cups and plates can also help.

Get plenty of rest, and eat your veggies! Fortifying your body by practicing healthy sleep and dietary habits will help to boost your immune system and provide a strong defense against those nasty germs that are looking to attack your immune system. Not only will the germs find you to be a worthy opponent in the cold and flu season wars, but the extra vitamins will act as back up troops for your defense system's defenders.

And finally, be sure to get your flu shot each year. Although the influenza immunization is not always effective in preventing the flu, your chances of avoiding a dose of the bug increase with better prevention before the virus is introduced to your system.

Cold and Flu Season: When the Mighty Have Fallen.
So, you've washed your hands and hit the hay by 10:00pm each night, and still you feel that tickle in your throat and a heavy feeling behind your sinuses. You've succumbed to cold and flu season- it happens to all of us.

So, what are the most effective treatments for a cold or for the flu? Rest, rest, rest!

Here in the United States, we are conditioned to "work through it." We try to show up to our jobs at all costs and work until we are either better, or we become so ill that "working through it" is no longer an option.

When the first signs of cold or flu set in, the best thing you can do for yourself and for those around you is to get lots of rest. Additionally, making sure you are drinking plenty of fluids.

While there is no cure for the common cold, you can treat the symptoms. Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen for aches and pains, decongestants for sinus congestion, there are several over-the-counter medications that may help with some of the symptoms of the common cold.

Like a cold, the flu can also be treated symptomatically, but there are now some medications on the market that may treat the flu. Some of these include Flumadine, Relenza, Symmetrel, and Tamiflu. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you are at risk for complications due to the flu, or if you think a prescribed medication may be necessary for your bout with the flu.

When all is said and done- wash your hands, get your rest, and lay in a supply of entertainment magazines just in case. We can beat it, but if we fail, we'll get through it together!