At this time of the year it is quite likely that you are going to find yourself coming down with a cold or bout of flu. The problem with this is that it seems there is nothing the medical profession can do to help. We’ve all be told to keep warm, rest and get plenty of fluids. Having a soothing lemon drink might help you to feel a bit better, but there is no magic cure. However there are things that you can do to help and we found some nice tips on www.natural-healing-health.com
Beat down nasty viruses with these flu recovery tips:
Sometimes, even when you do all the right things you still can get sick. Here’s what to do if the virus catches you.
1. Recognize Symptoms and Take Immediate Action.
Cold symptoms (nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing) occur within 1 to 2 days after exposure to the virus, peak in 2-4 days, and may persist for up to 2 weeks.
Influenza symptoms occur about 1-4 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms start out like a cold then rapidly include chills, fever, extreme tiredness, cough, body aches and pains, headache, increased sensitivity to light, coughing, sore throat, and general malaise. Children may also experience nausea and vomiting.
Most symptoms subside within 2-3 days and the illness resolves within 3-7 days if no complications occur. Sometimes milder symptoms can persist for up to 2-weeks. If you notice the symptoms of influenza, take immediate action.
2. Nurture Yourself.
First; don’t try to go to work or school. When you’re sick, people don’t want you there anyhow. Get out the blankets. Make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can. Rest and remove yourself from responsibilities so you can focus on nurturing yourself.
3. Eat Immune-Boosting Foods and Keep Well Hydrated with Purified Water.
Onions and Garlic: Dr. Weil says, “The best home remedy for colds is to eat two cloves of raw garlic at the onset of symptoms.” Crush or chop the garlic to release its allicin (a potent immune-booster).
Chicken Soup: According to James A, Duke, PhD, retired chief of the Medicinal Plants Laboratory, researchers found chicken soup reduced activity of neutrophils, the most common white blood cell that defends against infection. They suspect that lower neutrophils activity reduces the inflammation that causes many of the virus’s symptoms. It’s believed the combination of vegetables, chicken, and broth does the trick.
Elderberries: Elderberries contain more that a dozen antiviral compounds and flavonoids that stimulate the immune system. Dr. Duke reports researchers found that 93 percent of flu patients given Sambucol (elderberry extract) were completely free of symptoms within 2 days.
Honey: The World Health Organization has cited honey as a potential remedy for colds. Honey soothes and coats the throat while having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Ginger: Ginger fights rhinoviruses, the most common cold virus. It also contains substances that help coughs and reduce pain and fever. Shred a couple of tablespoons of ginger root into a teacup with boiling water for a soothing and healing drink.
Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant reduces the duration and severity of colds. Dr. Duke reports on a review of 21 studies with participants using 1,000 to 8,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day. They found a reduction of cold symptoms by 23 percent on average.
4. Respect Your Natural Healing System.
A low-grade fever helps healing. Technically, a fever is a body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 F (37 C) or rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C). However, since these numbers are averages, your normal temperature may vary by a degree above or below these temperatures. Fever is one of your body’s natural defenses against invading bacteria and viruses that cannot live at a higher temperature. In addition, the body’s defense mechanisms seem to work more efficiently at higher temperatures. It’s best not to treat low fevers.
Higher fevers may indicate complications. Check with a health care practitioner if your fever goes over 103° F or if it lasts for more than 3 days. For babies and young children a slightly elevated fever is a more serious sign and needs a call to your health practitioner.
Be aware that the degree of fever is just an indicator and may not represent the seriousness of an illness. For example, people who have a chronic illness with fatigued immune systems can be very ill and have a slight or no fever.
5. Know When to Seek Emergency Medical Care.
Serious complications can happen with the flu. The most serious complications are meningitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain) and pneumonia (collection of fluid in the lungs).
Seek emergency care for any of the following symptoms or if you have any concerns at all about your condition:
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness or difficulty arousing someone
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe headache and neck stiffness
- High fevers or persistent vomiting and diarrhea with babies and small children
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.