The flu typically arrives later, in November, with the peak
season from late December through early March. Odds are
you'll catch a cold soon, if you haven't already this
season. The average American adult catches about two to
four a year. During the cold and flu season, step up the
hand-washing routine reminders. Since the two illnesses
share some similar symptoms, and both come during "cold and
flu season," the two often run together in people's minds.
While there is no way to cure the common cold or the flu,
there are several things that you and your family can do to
prevent them and stay healthy this season. It takes the
immune system about six to eight weeks to respond to
vaccination, one of the best times to get the flu vaccine
is mid-October to mid-November, before the
December-to-March outbreak.
Cold viruses are present year-round but the the incidence
of colds rise sharply in early fall, shortly after school
begins. There are over 200 different types of viruses can
cause a cold, one of which is the Rhinovirus, which means
"nose viruses". Flu or influenza is caused by viruses,
which infect the nose, throat and lungs. Spray the surfaces
in your bathroom and kitchen with a mild solution of 2 to 5
percent bleach in water to kill viruses and bacteria. Cold
viruses can be transmitted in one of two ways: by touching
respiratory secretions on a person's skin (when shaking
hands, for example) or on environmental surfaces (like
doorknobs or handrails) and then touching the eyes, nose or
mouth, or by inhaling infectious particles in the air (like
respiratory secretions from a cough or sneeze)."Coughing is
the body's natural way of getting rid of offending
viruses", because germs and viruses cling to your bare
hands, muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands results
in passing along your germs to others. A regular dose of
fresh air is important, especially in cold weather when
central heating dries you out and makes your body more
vulnerable to cold and flu viruses.
Healthy immune function is not only critical to rapid
recovery from common viral infections, but also determines
how resistant people are to contracting these illnesses.
Staying healthy begins with taking care of the inside,
balancing and strengthening and perhaps purifying one's
energies. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off
infection and clean hands are a powerful tool toward
healthy bodies. On the other hand, without proper care or
attention, a flu virus can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia,
each of which can cause permanent health damage.
Pregnant women who have a high-risk condition should be
immunized regardless of the stage of pregnancy; healthy
pregnant women may also want to consult their health-care
providers about being vaccinated. The single most
important thing you can do to strengthen your immune system
is to eat a healthy,balanced vegetarian diet, according to
some studies. Optimum health is a philosophy; a way of
life; a lifestyle. It means that your community is
committed to health promotion and disease prevention.
To stay healthy and rev up your immune system: get plenty
of rest eat a well-balanced diet exercise regularly
decrease stress cut back on unhealthy habits, such as
smoking and over consuming alcohol. Studies have shown that
a session of moderate physical activity produces positive
effects on the immune system. To get the immune power from
garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife
before adding them to your food. This releases the garlic
juice, which has great immune properties. Vitamin C, found
in citrus fruits and juices, also helps the body's immune
system. Lack of sleep however can lower the immune
system's ability to react when needed. Without sufficient
sleep, the immune system is hard-pressed to keep up with
its nightly repair work, and creates an opening for
opportunistic diseases. A balanced diet, with the right mix
of vitamins and minerals, also keeps your immune system
strong and resistant to flu and colds. Another popular herb
is Echinacea, a dietary herbal supplement that some people
use to treat their colds. Oregano extract — which
comes in oil or in capsule forms — can also help
boost the body's natural immune system and support
respiratory health.
The bad news is, you may find it impossible to completely
avoid a cold or the flu. The good news is you can help
yourself try to avoid getting the seasonal sickness and
treat yourself if you do succumb -- up to a point: See a
doctor if you get sick and don't get better in a few days
after healthy doses of water, chicken soup, sleep, soap
operas and endlessly repeated "news. More good news from
the good doctor: It's not too late to get a flu shot if you
haven't yet.
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Chuck Arnone has authored a number of articles regarding
health issues and disease prevention.
http://www.immune-system-healthy.com
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