Cold vs Flu

So you may be sick and wondering- Do I have a “cold” or is it the “flu”?The Common Cold is a minor viral infection usually caused by a type of Rhinovirus. Typical Symptoms are sore throat, headache, cough, congested head & sinus / nasal, watery discharge, sneezing, low grade fever & muscle aches & soreness and general weakness & low energy.The “Flu” is a viral respiratory infection, caused by a type of influenza virus; maybe a type A or B strain if from an animal. The Symptoms are the same as for colds, except more sudden & more severe. (Know when to see a Doctor!)Bacterial Infection vs. Viral Infection Local to area Widespread / systemicStays where initiated Spreads all overShort high fever Persistent low grade feverMucous is thick, sticky & colored Thin, clear mucous Those more susceptible to colds/flu: smoke, high stress levels, chronic lung illness & people with decreased immunity.1. Treat symptoms. Drink teas & use steam aromatherapy. Take baths with essential oils and Himalayan pink salt (see blog) or Epsom salts.2. Increase immunity. Increase your Vitamin C intake (don’t take EFA’s during colds/flu); take immune enhancing herbs as teas, tinctures or capsules. Dress warmly.3. Flush out mucous. Chicken soup really works, feed a cold starve a fever. Drink fluids & herbal teas(avoid sugar). Don’t suppress coughs, use expectorants. Flush used tissues into toilet, avoid spreading to others- stay home if you are contagious. Eat hot and spicy foods and herbs!PRE-CAUTIONS: Don’t give aspirin to children showing viral infections, as this could develop into Reye Syndrome which is potentially fatal.See a Doctor if you are experiencing: Try to avoid mucous increasing foods, sugar, dairy products & EFA supplements (oil holds virus in mucous) during the flu.Be active during a cold to move the mucous out of the body and feed it. For the Flu,”rest is best and starve a fever”.Herbs that are Immunity Boosters Astragulus (long term), Cayenne, Cinnamon, Echinacea (short term), Elder berry, Eleuthero, Garlic & Onions, Licorice, Olive Leaf (long term), Pau D’Arco, Reishi, Shitake & Maitake Mushrooms, Thyme, Usnea Herbs for Sinus & Fevers Boneset, Chamomile, Chinese Chrysanthemum,Elderflower, Ephedra (use wth caution), Honeysuckle Flower, Nettle, Peppermint, Sage, Spearmint, Rose Hip, YarrowHerbs for Lungs & Sore Throat Angelica, Anise, Catnip, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Ginger, Goldenrod, Horehound, Lemon Balm, Lungwort, Mullein, Pleurisy Root, Schisandra, Violets, Wild Cherry Bark.COUGHING Hacking, Productive (mucus-producing) cough often present Dry and hacking cough is often presentACHES Slight Body Aches & PainsModerate Body Aches are commonSTUFFY NOSE Commonly present & typically resolves within a week. A runny nose is commonly present CHILLS Chills are Uncommon but possible Mild to moderate TIREDNESS Mild Moderate to HighSNEEZING Commonly Present Commonly PresentONSET of SYMPTOMS Symptoms develop over a couple of days. Develop over a few days. HEADACHE Fairly Uncommon Fairly Common SORE THROAT Commonly Present Commonly present CHEST DISCOMFORT Mild to moderate Moderate- Severe (seek medical attention immediately!)This article is for educational purposes, not intended for self diagnosis. See your physician whenever needed.