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Cold and flu are regarded as respiratory illness and are caused by various kinds of viruses. They are known to have mild to severe affects on the upper respiratory system. They can sometimes lead to serious conditions which may include dehydration, pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, and other such ailments.
Difference between cold and flu
Though similar, cold and flu are slightly different from each other in some ways. Flu symptoms can be diagnosed quite early and are easily related with body aches, fever, extreme tiredness, and dry cough. The symptoms of cold are however less severe compared to flu and are easily identified by slight tiredness, stuffy nose, productive cough and light body aches.
Causes of cold and flu
Cold is caused by a number of viruses and easily involves the upper respiratory tract; whereas flu is caused by severe strains of influenza virus. Weak immune system and over-consumption of sugar-coated snacks and drinks are also responsible factors leading to cold and flu. People with allergic reactions and asthma are more susceptible to cold and flu. Heavy smokers also catch cold and flu easily as they already have irritated lungs which find it quite difficult to fight the viruses. Cold and flu is also known to be very contagious and can be easily spread around through microscopic droplets from your infected co-worker or family member.
Tips and myths to fight cold and flu
There are many people who blame it on the season whereas others feel that cold and flu takes place because of being locked up indoors. However, the truth remains to be that cold and flu takes place only when our immune system is challenged by some harsh external factors. Also, over-feeding ourselves with sugary drinks and snacks can get us clutched in the traps of cold and flu. Some even hold the weird belief that cold is caused by our cold reaction to circumstances. Well, in most cases it is a version of virus and not our sentimental reactions.
Herbal remedies for cold and flu
It is a known fact that there is no immediate cure for cold and flu. However, herbal remedies do relieve us to a great extent. First of all, we must proceed to improve our immunological system. Before proceeding to cure ourselves with herbal remedies, we should never forget to consult a physician. Echinacea is believed to be a popular herb when it comes to treating cold and flu. It is also available in the form of capsule and is quite easy to consume. It increases the functioning of white blood cell and also the antiviral elements within our system. Shiitake and Reishi are other well-known herbs known for the treatment of cold and flu. These herbs can be consumed in the form of delicious salads and are also known to have antiviral elements present within them. Another popular herb called Ginseng is also quite effective in improving one’s immune system. We cannot seem to ignore other equally effective herbs like Eucalyptus, Licorice root, Peppermint, and so on.
Prevention methods
Prevention of cold after being exposed to various viruses is indeed difficult. However, certain medications do help. People affected with such diseases are generally advised to put up at home until they completely recover so that the ill-effects of the disease do not pass on to others. Good hygiene practice is another way to prevent cold and flu. If one is not aware of what good hygiene is, it is simply done by following some measures like washing hands frequently, to cover the mouth and nose while sneezing, not using the towel of the infected person, and so on.