HOW TO STAVE OFF COLDS, FLUS AND INFECTIONS:

 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

When you first feel yourself becoming sick, there are things you can do to avoid becoming ill or to shorten the duration of illness. These suggestions are especially helpful if you do them as early as possible.  They will help you fend off flus, colds, or minor infections.  Ninety percent of common colds are due to viral infections.  Please note that antibiotics are not effective against viruses.  The reason they are prescribed is when a secondary bacterial infection is likely or is dangerous to a particular patient.  Call a physician if your symptoms become severe.  These are some steps you can take to boost your immunity:

Eat Very Lightly Or Not At All -  With most illnesses, the appetite is diminished.  This is a natural response of the body.  Energy is needed to fight off the "bug" and the body doesn't have the energy to process food.  Give your digestive tract a rest!

Get Rest As Soon As Possible -  Many people ignore the early warning signs of illness and keep working until they "drop."  You will take longer to heal if you allow the illness to get a foothold.  If you feel a sore throat, headache, congestion, etc., coming on, take it easy.  If possible, take a day off from work.  This may prevent  you from having to take three days off later on.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids -  This standard advice is good advice.  You can clear the toxins from a "bug" out of your system with large amounts of filtered water and herb teas.  Fruit juices are not good choices as they have a high concentration of sugars in them.  If you do choose to drink fruit juices, dilute them by using half (filtered) water and half juice.

Take Immunity-Boosting Supplements & Homeopathics

·        Vitamin C:  Take 500 mg every 3-4 hours with a small amount of food.  Cut back on dosage if stools become loose or you experience gas and cramping.

·        Vitamin A:  Take 50,000 IU 3 times daily. Women who are pregnant should not take high doses of vitamin A as the fetus can be affected.  Consult your physician for recommended dosages and signs of toxicity.

·        Zinc:  Take 30- 50 mg once daily with small amount of food.  This can be continued for 1-2 weeks without depleting copper stores.

·        Bioflavonoids:  Take 1 gram per day.

·        Oscillococcinum:  Homeopathic remedy.  Take 6 pellets every 6 hours at the first onset of flu or cold symptoms.  Take away from food.

These are adult dosages.  Consult your physician regarding dosages for infants and children or if you have other conditions affecting your health.

Take Immunity-Enhancing Herbs

Dosages depend on the form in which they are taken (tincture, raw plant, solid extract, etc.). For teas (3-5 cups/day), tinctures (30 drops 4x/day), or in freeze-dried capsules (2 capsules 4x/day).  These are adult dosages.  Consult your physician regarding dosages for infants and children or if you have other conditions affecting your health.

·        Astragulus

·        Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower)

·        Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)  Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

·        Hydrastis canadensis(Goldenseal)  Note:  Goldenseal is also considered to have anti-microbial properties which can be effective against bacterial infections.

·        Commiphora Myrrh (Myrrh)

·        Trifolium praetens (Red Clover)

·        Ligusticum (Osha)

Home Hydrotherapy Treatment

Hot Foot Bath:  Soak feet in hot  water while wrapped in a warm wool blanket.  Put a cold cloth on your head and relax while you sit in a comfortable position for 10-15 minutes. Take care to avoid getting chilled after this treatment.

Throat Or Chest Compress:  Warm the throat or chest with a warm washcloth or hot shower.  Dry the skin thoroughly and apply a thin cotton wrap (to throat) or thin cotton T-shirt (to chest) that has been soaked in cold water and wrung out so that it is not dripping wet.  Cover this with a wool scarf (throat) or wool sweater (chest).   Go to bed this way.  By morning, the scarf or T-shirt will be dry.  This treatment increases circulation and increases white-blood cell activity.

Prevention:  Contamination studies have demonstrated that viral infections are spread much more readily by direct contac than through the air.  Cleanliness tips to help avoid contamination of virsus include not sharing utensils or toothbrushes, etc., frequent hand washing and frequent laundering of clothing or bedding (especially for children sharing rooms).