Overview: Colds and Flu

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Colds are caused by viruses. The main source of cold viruses is other people. People catch colds from other people who have the cold viruses in their nose and throats. The closer the contact with the infected secretions, the easier it is to catch cold. Sneezing on someone is probably one way to give that person your cold, but the most common way the cold viruses is passed around is from one person’s respiratory secretions to his or her hand, to the next person’s hand, and to that person’s mucous membranes in the nose or eyes. Despite what everyone’s grandmother has said, you do not get colds from playing in the snow, or from being outside in cold weather.

In fact, it’s probably safer to be outside during cold weather than inside, where there is less ventilations and closer contact with people who might have cold viruses in their noses and on their hands. During the fall and winter seasons, children in day care or school are almost constantly in contact with cold viruses, and we are likely to carry those viruses home with them to share with the whole family.

Unfortunately, little can be done to avoid catching colds. It is possible to try to avoid colds by staying away from all public places, such as shopping malls, church, or synagogues, and school. However, even this will not be effective in avoiding all contact with the cold viruses. While it is probably sensible to avoid snuggling with someone who has a terrible cold, this also won’t do the trick completely, since people can have the cold viruses–and pass them on–before they feel sick with a cold themselves.

If we give our immune system what it needs to thrive, we increase our chances of fighting off infection or if we do catch a cold or flu, reducing its duration. Our bodies will always run more efficiently if given the right tools, a healthy diet, important vitamins and minerals and a fit, strong heart and circulatory system. Even with all the above steps you will still more than likely occasionally catch a cold. The good news is that there is more available to us than just syrups and pills in the drug store. Treating your cold or flu naturally can give you the same relief as store bought remedies, without the side effects. Taking Vitamin C, drinking herbal tea, plenty of liquids and hot chicken soup provide you with relief and vitamins your body needs to heal.

Many times if you visit the doctor with a cold or flu you will automatically be handed a prescription for an antibiotic. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections not against cold and flu viruses, but they are still prescribed. The rationale is that the antibiotic helps protect against a secondary bacterial infection that could occur. The problem is that there are dangers involved with taking antibiotics unnecessarily. Unfortunately, in our society antibiotics are over prescribed. This is not to say they do not have a place in our world, but they should be used with caution and other methods are safer with fewer chances of adverse side effects.

When suffering from a fever, reducing food intake and substituting liquids can be very helpful. In the case of children, your pediatrician will guide you, but for healthy adults, fevers are a signal our body is fighting the infection. Taking Tylenol for fever reduction may slow the fever but that could also prolong the sickness. When speaking to your child’s pediatrician, inquire about herbs like Echinacea or golden seal to prevent colds and flu. Also, a daily multi vitamin for kids can be found in fun shapes and yummy flavors at your local health food store. There are so many myths about colds, the flu and antibiotics so do not be afraid to visit a licensed herbalist or ask your healthcare provider about natural alternatives.