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WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW…Colds and flu are the most common infections of the respiratory system. And they are different, even if they seem similar. These two diseases are so recurrent, since they repeat themselves year after year, especially in the cold season, that the rate of illnesses is very difficult to determine precisely. Respiratory diseases appear worldwide and spread very quickly among the population, especially in congested areas. In our country, annual flu epidemics occur in autumn and winter, affecting approximately 5-15% of the population. The fact that they are very common diseases can make us careless in the way we relate to them. Preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding crowded spaces and vaccination have been and will remain measures we can take to avoid infection. When these fail, there are natural alternatives that we can consider. Nature also has its antibiotics. We requested some advice from pulmonology specialists or family doctors, who allied themselves with us, the journalists, in an attempt to lessen the effects of these diseases. Here are some ideas on how to get rid of viruses and flu naturally, without many drugs! And absolutely without antibiotics! We would like to thank the two doctors Burghiu-Cîsleanu Alina (pneumologist) and Laura Sava (family doctor), both from Bârlad, who helped us to create this material.
Colds usually have a gradual onset, with symptoms developing over several days. Cold symptoms are milder and can last for about a week. The flu often has a sudden and more severe onset. Symptoms tend to appear quickly and can be intense. While most people recover within a week or two, some flu symptoms may persist for longer. Common cold symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and mild fatigue. Fever is less common in adults, but can occur in children. Flu symptoms are more severe and may include high fever (usually over 38°C), chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, dry cough and sore throat. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, may also occur, although they are less common.
Complicatetserious illnesses, fever, contagion, diet, hydration and sleep
Fever is rare in adults with a cold, but may be more common in children. On the other hand, in the case of the flu, fever is a common and prominent symptom, especially in adults. Colds generally do not lead to severe complications. They are usually mild and self-limiting. However, the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, which, in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization or death. It poses a greater risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children and people with underlying health conditions. Colds are contagious, primarily through contact with droplets from coughs and sneezes. Contagiousness is generally greatest in the first days of illness. Influenza is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, similar to colds. People with the flu can spread the virus even before they show symptoms and a few days after. Here’s what you need to do to prevent infection with these viruses, or bacteria, or better, what to eat. A complete diet provides essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function. Focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Include foods rich in Vitamin C (eg, citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers), Vitamin D (eg, fatty fish, fortified dairy products) and zinc (eg, beans, nuts, whole grains). And hydration is essential for general health, including immune function. Sufficient water consumption helps maintain the balance of body fluids and supports various biological processes. Prioritize especially quality sleep, because it plays a crucial role in the regulation and functioning of the immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to optimize immune health. Here is what the doctor prescribes in the form of a generalized treatment, with some medicine in case of fever as well as hydration with teas followed by rest! “The general treatment in case of respiratory virosis is the following: Paracetamol in case of fever, chills, muscle or joint pain and headache. Adequate hydration, warm drinks (herbal teas, milk) with honey. Adequate rest and relaxation. If the symptoms persist for more than 3-5 days or worsen, consult the family doctor or a specialist depending on the severity of the symptoms”, mentioned the Bârlade pulmonologist Alina Boghiu Cîsleanu for our readers.
Home remedies for colds and flu
Being sick, even when you are at home in bed, is not pleasant at all. The combination of body aches, fever, chills and nasal congestion can be enough to make anyone feel terrible. There are plenty of home remedies that can ease your symptoms and get you back to normal. However, if you have any breathing problems, rapid heartbeat, feel weak or have other severe symptoms, contact your doctor. Here’s what family doctor Laura Sava, from Bârlad, recommends: “In flu, the symptoms appear suddenly. There are 4 types of flu, A, B, C and D. Type C has milder symptoms than types A and B. Common flu symptoms are: headache; fatigue; nasal secretions (stuffy nose); sore throat; fever, chills; or body pain. Complications that can occur in flu symptoms are ear infections, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, asthma attacks, pneumonia, heart problems. As a treatment, it is recommended to stay at home in the first days after infection, to isolate yourself, avoiding the transmission of the virus to other people. It is necessary to consume a lot of liquids and rest as much as possible. As medicines, use decongestants, cough suppressants, vitamins and teas. However, these drugs do not treat the virus itself and cannot shorten the duration of the disease, they only improve the symptoms”, said doctor Laura Sava.
Ginger and Vitamin C from fruits, the main enemies of the cold
NATURAL MEDICINES…Ginger is a miracle plant. The health benefits of ginger root have been touted for centuries, but now doctors say they have scientific evidence of its healing properties. A few slices of fresh ginger root in boiling water can help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests they may also ease the nausea that often accompanies the flu. For example, one study found that just one gram of ginger can “alleviate clinical nausea of various causes.” Get a ginger tea and start feeling its calming benefits. Vitamin C is the main weapon against the cold. It plays an important role in your body, having many health benefits. Along with lemons, oranges, grapefruit, green vegetables and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey can reduce phlegm when you are sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade can also help. While these drinks may not completely get rid of your cold, they can help you get the vitamin C your immune system needs. Sufficient vitamin C can improve upper respiratory tract infections and other diseases.
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