Colds and Flu

What is the difference between a cold and flu?

They are both caused by viruses. Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, followed by nasal congestion/runny nose, along with a cough by the 4th or 5th day. Fever is uncommon but possible, especially in children.

Flu symptoms are usually more severe. Typical manifestations are sore throat, fever, headache, body aches, congestion and cough. There may also be vomiting and/or diarrhea. Flu comes on quick. Colds usually have a more gradual onset.

Take your temperature. Common cold rarely has a fever over 101. Body and muscle aches are also very common in flu but not in colds. People with influenza feel “really bad” and look awful as well. The fatigue and general malaise almost always demands bedrest, where someone with a cold is more likely to be able to push through a work day.

Doctors recommend getting a yearly flu vaccine to decrease your chances of getting seasonal influenza. This may reduce your chances of getting the flu, or possibly decreasing the severity of symptoms. The flu vaccine works better in some years than others. Seasonal flu vaccine has been on average 40% effective against preventing the flu. [1]

If you are suspecting that you have influenza, contacting your doctor and getting tested can get you started on anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu if you are looking to go the conventional route. Tamiflu does not kill the virus the way an antibiotic kills bacteria. It may possibly lessen severity of symptoms and perhaps shorten the duration of your illness by a day or two. However, it can have some serious side effects. Do your research and talk to your healthcare provider. Conventional treatment for both colds and flu also consists of rest, extra fluids and some superfoods such as chicken soup, citrus fruits, chili peppers, ginger and garlic for comfort and healing. [2]

• Vitamin C – Numerous studies have shown that people taking high doses of vitamin C report reductions in the incidence, severity, and duration of colds. In several clinical studies, (see Sources below), the recommendation of 500mg to 1000mg every 2 hours ensured tissue saturation and shortened the course of the common cold. Although vitamin C has been shown to be antiviral and antibacterial, its main effect is via improvement in host resistance. Start at the first symptoms of a cold, taper off when you are significantly improved. Maintenance dose to prevent colds and flu would be 1000 mg daily.
• Vitamin D – there has been much reported in the news lately about the benefits of vitamin D. Studies confirm it does protect against colds and flu. [3] Typical recommendation for prevention of viral infection is 1000-3000 IU per day. Vitamin D is called a fat soluble vitamin and can build up in the body. Although toxicity is rare, it is wise to know your levels. Check with your doctor. Most Americans are below normal.
• Zinc – Zinc possesses direct antiviral activity. In a double-blind clinical trial, 23 mg of zinc gluconate lozenges significantly reduced the average duration of common colds by 7 days. [4] Take every 2 hours at the start of a cold for up to one week. Prolonged supplementation over one week at this high dose is not recommended as it may lead to immunosuppression.
• Echinacea – One of my absolute favorites. This herb is a powerhouse when taken at the onset of infection, taken for 7-10 days. It has antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro and has often been used for colds and flu. It has been found to be as effective as Tamiflu in early treatment of influenza virus infections, without the adverse effects and complications of Tamiflu. [5] It can be purchased as tea, capsules and liquid tinctures. The typical dose is 2 capsules 3 times daily. For liquid drops, take one dropperful up to 5 times daily. Seven to ten days is usually sufficient, but can be taken up to 6 weeks. After that, it has shown to stress the liver and suppress immunity.
• Astragalus – an immune system enhancer, a specific tonic for strengthening the body’s resistance to disease. In clinical studies in China, astragalus has been shown to reduce the incidence and shorten the course of the common cold. Frequently combined with ginseng as a prophylactic against winter colds and viruses. May be taken daily according to bottle instructions to strengthen resistance.
• Fenugreek and Thyme – fenugreek has mucous thinning action and can help to unblock mucous in the upper respiratory tract. Thyme is a bronchial antispasmodic and expectorant with antiviral and antibacterial properties. [6] This combo may make you have lots of congested mucous exit the body via blowing the nose or coughing. Take 2-4 capsules three times daily.
• Elderberry – one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Studies have been done showing that people who have flu-like symptoms and take elderberry relieved symptoms 4 days sooner than those not taking it. The use of rescue medication was significantly less for these flu-like symptoms as well. The National Institute for Health states elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe, and cost-effective treatment for influenza. [7] Most common supplements of elderberry come in a syrup. 15 ml four times daily has shown success in the clinical studies. It also comes as dried fruit, capsules, gummies and tinctures.
• Homeopathic Oscillococcinum – the classic homeopathic remedy for symptoms of flu such as body aches, headaches, fever, chills. These are tiny little pellets placed under the tongue. Follow instructions on package.
• Eucalyptus – over the counter vapor or chest rubs marketed to suppress coughs often contain eucalyptus oil. It can be used to calm a cough by adding a few drops to a “carrier” oil such as avocado or sunflower oil and rubbing it onto throat and chest. It can also be diluted in boiling water for steam inhalation. Chest rubs containing eucalyptus can be purchased online or at your local natural foods store. If considering using this with children, use a product specifically marked for kids, following instructions on package.
• Natural inhaler – feeling stuffed up? You can make your own inhaler, don’t get addicted to Afrin! Learn HERE how to make your own natural vapor stick. You can purchase blank inhalers online. Essential oils may be found in natural foods stores, some supermarkets and online. Use as needed for congestion.

When to call the doctor Contact your doctor if you have symptoms and you are high risk. If you are otherwise healthy, seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe such as: having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, uncontrolled coughing, a mild cough lasting more than 3 weeks, persistent high fever, diarrhea lasting more than 10 days without improvement, vomiting over 24 hours, (sooner if there is weakness, dizziness, faintness.) Not urinating at least 3 times in a 24 hour period can be the beginning signs of dehydration. It is also wise to contact your provider if it is very difficult to swallow with a sore throat, if your congestion and headache won’t go away. In adults, any temperature 103 or higher warrants a phone call to your healthcare provider. If any questions or concerns, it is always wise to contact a healthcare provider. When dealing with children, always speak to your doctor or pediatric triage nurse.

Covid 19

There is a vaccine available that is authorized for emergency use. Do your research and speak with an informed healthcare professional to make the decision if this is right for you. Listed below is a link with resources for information from the FLCCC, an organization formed by critical care ICU doctors. They were feeling helpless and exhausted from watching patients die, not having good success with solely using conventional treatments to cure patients with Covid-19. They state the first line of defense is mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing. Their recommendations are thought provoking.

I-MASK+ Protocol

Sources

Chang, H.M. and But, P.P.H., Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, vol. 2 World Scientific Publishing, Teaneck, NJ. 1987

Baird, L., Hughes, R., Wilson, H, ‘The effects of ascorbic acid and flavonoids on the occurrence of symptoms normally associated with the common cold’, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1979

Anderson, T., Reid, D. and Beaton, G., ‘Vitamin C and the common cold: a double blind trial’, Can. Med. Assoc., 1972

Today’s Herbal Health, Louise Tenney, 2nd edition, Woodland Books, Provo, UT. 1983

Pedersen, Mark, ‘Astragalus membranaceus’, Nutritional Herbology, 1995

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-vitamin-d-is-too-much#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/when-see-doctor#:~:text=You%20have%20trouble%20breathing%20or,go%20to%20the%20emergency%20room.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Murray, Michael, ND; Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991

https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/when-to-call-your-doctor-about-the-flu

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2001-03-18-0103180301-story.html