Colds and flu (influenza) are common infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears and sinuses). Flu has similar symptoms to a cold but tends to be a more severe illness. In vulnerable people, such as the elderly or young children or people with lung disease, having the flu can be serious – always consult a doctor.
Colds and flu infections are contagious and are passed on by tiny droplets and hand contact. There are literally hundreds of types of viruses that can cause a cold, which is why people can suffer with several colds throughout the year. The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which continually change their structure so that we are unable to build up immunity to them over time.
The symptoms of a common cold are as follows:
-
Stuffy nose
-
Sneezing
-
Sore throat
-
Cough
-
Fever
-
Tiredness
The symptoms of flu are all of the above plus the following:
-
Homeopathy - talk to your homeopath about which homeopathic remedies might be able to help. ∏
There are a few steps that you can take to help prevent catching colds and flu:
-
Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables
-
Take regular exercise
-
Don't smoke as smokers are more likely to catch colds and flu
-
Taking vitamin C supplements* may slightly reduce the length of time you have symptoms of cold or flu.
-
Echinacea has long been recommended as a way to help boost the immune system during flu season.
To help prevent spreading a cold or flu:
-
If you’re sick, stay away from your school or office
-
Wash your hands regularly
-
Throw away tissues as soon as you have used them
-
Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm rather than your hand, since hand to hand contact is the most common cause of spreading viruses.
-
Keep them away from school or nursery and try to avoid elderly relatives or friends as they are especially vulnerable to the cold virus.
-
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids, but don’t worry if they are eating less than usual – they will catch up when they recover.
-
Children can find coughing distressing and this is often worse at night. A productive cough produces mucus and you should encourage your child to cough up phlegm and spit it out. If your child is too young to be able to do this, try laying him across your lap and patting his back during coughing fits. Raising the head of your child's cot at night may help – you could do this by slipping a pillow or a rolled up blanket underneath the mattress.
-
Keeping your child's ears warm when you are outside will help ease earache. Ear muffs or a hat with flaps is ideal.
-
Steam inhalation can help. The safest way to do this is by filling the bath with hot water and sitting in the bathroom with your child. Be careful about your child being near hot water, and always stay with him or her.
-
For young babies, you must make sure that they keep their fluid intake up, if necessary by giving smaller, more frequent feeds. Also, babies can’t clear their noses easily, which can make their breathing uncomfortable. It’s possible to use a simple suction device or saline nose drops to assist this – your pharmacist can advise you further.
-
If you are worried that your baby is not taking enough fluid, or if other symptoms are getting worse, please consult a GP.
* A vitamin supplement must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and health lifestyle.
† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
UK & Ireland 