Are you suffering from a runny nose or sore throat? We’ve listed the top remedies that can help you soothe your symptoms.
A tickle sensation in your throat and then a headache. Then you start to sneeze or sniffle and feel tired. You are suffering from something. Here are the symptoms:
Usually, the main difference with flu is that you will have a temperature higher than 37.8degC. (An average body temperature is around 37degC.)
It can fluctuate between 36.1 and 37.2 depending on the day, menstrual cycle and physical activity. Flu symptoms are often sudden and more severe. They are usually the worst for three to four days. It can take up to two weeks to feel better. Although a cold is usually only for a few days, it can last up to one week.
Exists more than 200 viruses that can cause symptoms resembling colds. The most common is the rhinovirus. There are only two influenza viruses, A and B. However, they continue to mutate, so the flu vaccine must be updated every year to protect against new strains.
Inhaling virus droplets from the air can cause flu or cold symptoms. The virus will infect your upper respiratory tract (the nasal, sinuses and throat) but can also affect the lungs. The flu virus can be infectious for up to two days before symptoms manifest and remain infectious until it’s gone.
Researchers at MIT are developing a drug to kill cells infected with all kinds of viruses. However, it will take at least 10 years for it to be approved for human testing. Except if you have a pre-existing condition requiring medical attention, you have to get through it once you get sick with a cold or the flu, but avoiding getting sick is your best option.
To prevent the flu, Bronte Medical Centre encourages all Canadians over six months of age to be vaccinated; the vaccine takes two weeks to become active and lasts for six months. It’s best to get the vaccine during the flu season, which runs in Canada from November through April. However, it is still effective if it is given later. People with chronic conditions, pregnant women, older people, and children are at greater risk for complications from flu.
It is therefore essential to get vaccines.
A hand soap containing at least 60% alcohol can be used if soap and water are unavailable. Supplementing with vitamin A may be helpful.
Even healthy adults can get multiple colds every year if they are exposed to the virus, or when their immunity is weakening due to stress or sleep deprivation. Because their immune systems are still developing resistance, children are more likely to get the flu and colds than adults. Children are also more susceptible to complications than seniors, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Secondary infections can occur in the ears, sinuses (sinusitis), neck (strep throat), and lungs (bronchitis/pneumonia).
If you are a member of one of these high-risk categories and begin to feel symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. If you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, dizziness, persistent nausea, low blood pressure or high fever lasting more than three days, and if your symptoms continue, see a doctor immediately.
In Bronte Medical Centre, we insist that you are an adult in good health but feel sick. It is best to stay in bed. These over-the-counter remedies can help you manage your symptoms.
Visit Bronte Medical Center for more health information.
