Dr. Curtis McElroy

Tag: cold

  • Preventing The Cold And Flu This Season

    Easy Tips To Help Prevent Colds and Flu This Season to Give You The Edge

    The people who are exposed to germs from flu and colds on a daily basis, such as flight attendants, doctors, teachers, etc. probably know quite a few easy tips on how to avoid catching and even preventing the germs spread from a sneezing child in the classroom or a sick passenger on the flight – many will suggest that you get your seasonal flu shot in order to prevent the bug from taking hold of you.

    But here are some really good tips from those people who are exposed to colds and flu on a daily basis:

    Always wash your hands, and quite often too, because, no matter what line of work you are in, you are coming into contact with people who are contagious to you and you will need to wash your hands over and over again. Even when you are out, and you touch the elevators, the lifts, door handles, you are coming into contact with dangerous germs. It sounds so simple but in fact, soap and water are doctors and nurses around-the-clock companions.

    Try and use hand sanitizers that are alcohol based because if you are not near any soap and water, the sanitizer can kill off the flu and cold germs. That means not getting too close to people who are sick, like not shaking hands.

    Keep your space around you clean – in other words, if you are sick, it is better for you to stay at home. Your job is to heal and not to pass on the germs to other people, particularly if you are really sick.

    Live a healthy lifestyle, as it is important to look after your health. That means getting enough rest and nutrition. Many think these are just old wives tales, but it is really important to get good nutritional food into your system, not to smoke and to keep allergies under control. If you don’t, your upper respiratory tract could become inflamed. This makes you more vulnerable to get a virus.

    Repair your gut because your gut is the gateway to health and almost 80% of your immune system is situated in the gut. That means it needs to be in peak condition. Take a top quality probiotic to keep up good levels of bacteria to fight off infection.

    Go slow on alcohol and sugar consumption because when you consume too much, you suppress the immune system, causing leaky gut. Just moderate alcohol consumption can suppress your central nervous system too which is part of your important immune system.

    Reduce stress because stress suppresses the immune system. Consider things like acupuncture, or yoga, or medication to reduce stress.

    Take an immune booster which contains proteins and immunoglobulins which will boost your body’s line of defense.

    Take supplements of glutathione and turmeric because they are antioxidants, important for the right functioning of the immune function.

    Glutathione is the main antioxidant in the body and is responsible

  • Treating The Cold And Flu With Natural Remedies

    Treating The Cold And Flu With Natural Remedies

    Everyone has experienced it – a nasty case of the flu or even a cold that makes it hard to get things done. There’s no medication that can cure either of these problems because they’re caused by viruses. But there are many natural remedies that can help to shorten your illness give you relief from symptoms.

    Neti Pot. One of the best ways you can clear congestion and keep your sinuses open is to clean your system with a neti pot. This is a small pot that you fill with warm saltwater. You’ll tilt your head to the side, insert the neti pot spout into your nostril, and then pour the water.

    You’ll find that the water fills your sinuses and then runs out of the other nostril. After you’ve cleaned one side, you can then clean the other. Your nose will be much easier to blow and you can get some of the congestion out. You can do this any time to ease allergy and sinus problems.

    Oil of Oregano. Oil of oregano is a good supplement to use for a short time while you’re recovering from the flu or a cold. It can relieve aches and pains as well as inflammation. You’ll want to take this as soon as you notice that you’re experiencing symptoms.

    Oil of oregano comes in capsules that are easy to take. You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper dosage. It’s not recommended that you take this long-term. It’s best used during an actual case of cold or flu.

    Zinc. Zinc is a very good remedy if you have a cold or the flu. This can help to shorten the length of your illness. Unfortunately, many of the commercial zinc lozenges you find at the supermarket are full of additives as well.

    Your best bet is to look for a high quality lozenge made from natural ingredients. Also look for the highest possible percentage of zinc. Follow the directions to make sure you don’t take too much. You’ll find this can shorten the length of your illness by as much as half.

    Essential Oils. Eucalyptus as well as rosemary and peppermint essential oils can help you to get relief from congestion. Heat a small mug of water and add two drops of one these oils. Then place your nose over the mug and inhale.

    These particular herbs can help you to breathe better. But you shouldn’t take them directly by mouth or use much in your steam preparation. You’ll love being able to breathe a bit better.

    Elderberry. Elderberry has been shown by research to help relieve cold and flu symptoms effectively. You can purchase the extract and take it as directed. This will improve your symptoms and also shorten the infection.

  • Is It A Cold Or The Flu

    Is it a cold or the flu is a common question many of us ask this time of year.

    Seeing your doctor and being tested for the flu is the most reliable way to know for sure; however, with the holidays upon us you may feel you are too busy with work, shopping, and family obligations to take time out of your day to see your primary care doctor or visit the local urgent care.

    flu and cold symptoms
    Flu versus Cold

    As the weather turns colder, many people brace themselves for cold and flu season.

    But how do you know if it is a cold or the flu?

    It’s important to know because the flu can be very severe and lead to dehydration and other conditions such as pneumonia.

    First, you should know that both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections and are ineffective in the treatment of the cold or flu.

    Tamiflu is a medication that was designed to shorten the duration and severity of flu symptoms.

    If you have a cold, you are likely to experience a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough, and possibly low grade fever that may last a few days to a week.

    You are contagious the first few days you have a cold, so if you can avoid going to work and are able to stay home your recovery may be faster and you will avoid spreading it around the work place.

    Flu symptoms are much more severe.

    With the flu, you usually have a sore throat, fever, headache, body aches, congestion, and cough. These symptoms will come on quickly and may persist for a week or longer.

    Elderly patients and patients with a weak immune system should watch their symptoms closely. The flu and even a simple cold can turn into a bacterial infection such as pneumonia or sinus infection. So, if you are having symptoms for an extended period of time, recurrent fevers, coughing up phlegm or nasal discharge that has changed in color you may require antibiotic therapy, so it is best to seek medical attention.

    Another sign to watch for is feeling shortness of breath. This could also indicate that your illness is turning into pneumonia. Pneumonia requires professional care and often requires hospitalization.

    Many people who have the flu also lose their appetite. It’s important to make sure you continue drinking fluids and try to eat something of nutritional value when tolerated.

    If you have the flu, it’s important to stay home while your fever is over 100 degrees F. You’ll want to do your best to get rest, fluids, and use natural remedies that are helpful for treating your symptoms and helping you get through the illness quickly.

    The best way to avoid infection is by washing your hands regularly, sanitizing surfaces, and avoiding people with symptoms. However, it is still possible to contract the flu or a cold despite these precautions and preventative measures.

    Getting the flu shot, unless you are allergic to one of the components of the flu vaccine, should be on your list of task as soon as it is available.

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy