Colds
and flus cause significant discomfort and days off work
or vacation. The following article will:
The
charts that follow will teach you how to treat a cold
or flu with either alternative or pharmaceutical treatments.
For instance, there is now a prescription medicine that
is called "Tamiflu" that can shorten the time
that you suffer with the flu. It works on both Influenza
A and B, but the medicine must be started within 48-72
hours of onset of the symptoms. Call the office at 310-458-9200
immediately if you think you have the flu or symptoms,
such as body aches and fever, and if you would like to
try an anti-flu prescription medication. There is also
a test that can be done to diagnose if you actually have
Influenza A or B. It is only worth doing the test or taking
the prescription medication up to the third day of symptoms.
So
read the article below for my advice about home treatments
and self care and call the office for appointment if needed.
Remember, if you have any other medical conditions, such
as high blood pressure, glaucoma, or pregnancy, then consult
a medical professional before taking any cold medications,
supplements or herbs.
The best way to deal with cold and flu season is to avoid
getting the cold or flu. Read about ways to prevent contracting
the viruses and keeping your immune system at its best.
Stay healthy and consider slowing down your pace and enjoy
the introspective time of nature's winter.
Defining
a cold vs. Flu
Colds
are produced by viruses such as the rhinovirus or adenovirus
which invade and adhere to the mucosal linings in the
upper and lower respiratory tracts causing symptoms of
sore throat, stuffy head, runny nose, and cough.
Flus
are produced by different viruses called influenza A and
B. The hallmark symptoms of the flu are fever, body aches,
and fatigue.
See the chart below that compares other symptoms or a
cold or flu.
All
viruses are contagious, usually by an "aerosol route,"
which means virus particles in the air when someone coughs
or sneezes. Viruses are also transmitted by direct contact
of touch. Therefore if you touch doorknobs, phones, or
shake hands you may contract other people's viruses or
spread yours when your are sick. However if your immune
system is working well, it can fight off the virus. Thus,
if you are run-down, exhausted, or eating poorly, you
are increasing your risk of contagion. In conclusion,
eat nutritious foods, sleep well, rest, and wash your
hands often.
| COLD
SYMPTOMS |
FLU
SYMPTOMS |
| no
fever or low grade |
fever,
may be high |
| clear
runny nose or stuffy head |
large
amount of clear nasal discharge |
| may
have sore or scratchy throat |
not
necessarily |
| no
headache |
headache |
| no
muscle pain |
extreme
muscle aches |
| normal
digestion |
may
have decreased appetite, nausea, loose stool |
| week
duration |
1
to 2 weeks duration |
| decreased
energy |
weak,
exhausted |
| clinical
diagnoses only |
viral
culture with nasal swab is only sure diagnostic test |
| SYMPTOM
|
ALTERNATIVE
REMEDIES FOR RELIEF |
| Onset
of symptoms of a cold |
1.
Take the Chinese herb yin chiao the first 24 to 48 hours
of symptoms
and continue for 2 to 3 days.
2. Take the herb Andrographis 400mgs 3 times per day
at onset of cold.
3. Take echinacea with goldenseal, zinc lozenges13-23
mg., and vitamin C 2000 mg, 3-4 times per day. You can
add Vitamin A up to 100,00 IU 2 times daily for 3 days
only. Do not take if pregnant.
4. The zinc nasal spray "Zicam" have been
shown to shorten the duration of a cold.
5. To prevent a cold or flu, use astragalus, 4-7 grams
a day. Stop use if you get sick.
7. TLC-tender loving care!! |
| Onset
of Flu symptoms |
1.
At immediate onset of symptoms, use the homeopathic
remedy, Oscillococcinum.
2. The herb elderberry in tablet or syrup form 3x a
day for a week can help shorten the duration of the
flu. Take as early as possible. |
| Cough |
1.
To relieve the symptoms of a cough, drink Chinese Loquat
syrup with hot water.
2. Use steam and humidifiers.
3. Take a Chinese herb, minor bupleurum, which may be
combined with cinnamon, 3 times a day. |
| Runny
nose/
congestion |
1.
Use humidifier or use steam and add few drops of eucalyptus
or tea
tree oil. Use warm, wet compresses on sinuses/face.
2. Sleep upright, propped up on pillows.
3. Try herbal products with ephedra, unless you have
high blood pressure or heart problems. Do not take
more than directed amount.
4. Use a Chinese herb pueraria-N, which has ma huang,
also called ephedra.
5. Use a homeopathic nasal spray with "allium
cepa".
|
| Sore
throat |
1.
Gargle with warm salt water or water with a few drops
of tea tree oil or Echinacea.
2. Drink tea or suck on lozenges with slippery elm
bark or marshmallow root.
3. For pain relief eat sherbet or sorbet.
4. Take a Chinese Herb, Isatis, one dose 3 to 4 times
a day. |
| SYMPTOM
|
MEDICATION
FOR RELIEF |
| Runny
nose or stuffed head |
Decongestants
1. Take pseudophedrine pills by mouth 30 to 60 milligrams
every 4-6 hours.
2. Decongestant nasal spray, e.g. Afrin. Use up to
twice a day for two
days only.
3. Use saline nasal spray use as needed
4. PRESCRIPTION drugs include long-acting decongestants,
e.g.
Entex L.A. or nasal spray with anti-cholinergic medicine,
like
atrovent. Go see your doctor.
5. AVOID anti-histamines, such as Benadryl, chlortrimeton,
unless you are just using it as a sleep aid or to
decrease a nighttime cough.
AVOID mixed cold medicines because you ingest what
you don't
need and can possibly overdose on some ingredients. |
| Fever
|
1.
If the fever is over 101.5 F or if it is lower and
you feel "lousy",
then take Tylenol or acetaminophen between 650 to
1000 milligrams
every 4 -6 hours.
2. Ibuprofen 400 mg. every 6-8 hours is also good.
3. Avoid Aspirin because it can cause Reyes Syndrome
if given while
you have a virus. |
| Body
aches |
1.
Use the same medications as for a fever. |
| Sore
throat |
1.
Since it is often caused by postnasal drip, start
with decongestant.
2. Anesthetic throat lozenges or sprays are also good.
3. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be used. |
| Flu
symptoms |
1.
If you go to the doctor within 48 hours, she can prescribe
an anti-
viral medication, such as Tamiflu. It can shorten
the duration of the
flu and lessen the severity of the symptoms. |
| Cough
|
1.
If the cough is caused by postnasal drip, use decongestants.
Sometimes antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can help
the symptom
Temporarily.
2. Use plain Robitussin, which is guaifenesin, or
Robitussin DM, which
is dextromethorphan. Do not use DM if taking anti-depressant
medications. Sometimes prescription inhalers are advised;
see your
doctor. |
| AVOIDING
VIRAL CONTAGIONS |
| To
avoid the flu |
1.
Remember to wash your hands many times a day.
2. Follow good sleep hygiene.
3. Eat a nutritious diet, and avoid sugar and alcohol.
4. Get the flu shot by the end of October.
5. Increase intake of foods with vitamin A and C, or
use supplements.
6. Take Echinacea formula one week out of the month,
or Chinese astragalus and/or jade screen formula three
times a week. |
| Other
anti-virals &antibacterials |
Foods
that have natural anti-viral & anti-bacterial
properties are raw garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper,
cinnamon, and chicken soup. |
| Take
Home Message |
| REMEMBER
|
Antibiotics
do not work against viruses.
Most illnesses are viral and are cured by the tincture
of time.
If high fevers do not remit or if you develop difficulty
breathing
Or are unable to keep down any fluid, seek medical care.
Most of the symptoms will be gone within a week. |
| SELF
-ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE |
Massage
relevant acupressure points for immune system or for
particular symptom. |
| VISUALIZE |
Imagine
your body fighting off the virus; use your imagination-a
battle, sending the viruses off into space, etc. |
| STAY
WELL |
REST,
SLEEP, AND DON'T FORGET CHICKEN SOUP AND TLC. |
You
can download this article as a "Word" document here. |
(top)
Copyright
Shera Raisen, M.D. 2003
Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to replace the diagnosis,
treatment and services of a physician.
Any recommendations and indications are at the user's discretion.
For severe or life-threatening conditions, always seek immediate medical
attention.
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