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Disclaimer: None of the information on
this web site is intended to replace any medical advice or any other
professional advice, nor is it intended to replace any prescribed medication.
It is dangerous to self-prescribe, so if you have any health problems, see your
doctor, qualified naturopath or other qualified health professional.
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How to avoid winter illness - colds and
influenza
With
the onset of winter, we are reminded of the possibility of runny
noses, coughs, and influenza. Much time is lost from both work
and leisure. For many people the question is not "will I
catch a winter cold?" but "when, how often and how
severe will it be?". It is estimated that there are about 50
million new cases of respiratory tract infection in Australia each
year. That averages out at 2-3 infections per year per
person.
Why
is it that some people always seem to be sick in winter and
others just breeze through without any trouble? Is it because
some people are just in more contact with others spreading the
disease, or is there another reason? The answer is, like all
diseases, you susceptibility to catching it comes down to your
risk factors. Avoiding disease involves minimising risk factors.
Risk Factors:
 | Direct contact is undoubtedly a
significant risk factor, so you need to be careful not
have close contact with any person suffering from cold or
influenza. Viruses
that can easily be transmitted through the air cause both
diseases. If your partner gets the flu, sleep in
another room for a few days. Avoiding direct contact is
more important for those people who do not have a strong
immune system.
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| An under-active immune system is perhaps
the most important risk factor, and most of the other
risk factors are those which compromise the effectiveness
of the immune system.
 | Change of season contributes to
stress on the immune system - this is
unavoidable, but taking precautions to boost the
immune system at this time of year can reduce
this risk factor. Sudden and/or extreme changes
of temperature have a similar effect - hence the
importance of keeping warm and avoiding cold
draughts.
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| History of bronchitis, asthma or
other chest infections reduces ability to resist
infections.
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| Advancing age is statistically a
major risk factor - due to reduced protection at
the mucosal surfaces and reduced immune response.
As we get older, nutritional status usually
declines due to a decreasing ability to absorb
nutrients and often a decreased intake of
nutrients. For the immune system to function
well, adequate absorption of nutrients is
essential.
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| Reduced function of natural killer
(NK) cells - which have an important role in the
defence against viruses. Reduction of NK cells is
more pronounced in the elderly.
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| An immune system that has been
weakened by constant infection, allergy, stress
or excessive exercise is less able to resist
colds and influenza.
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Both
the common cold and influenza are caused by viruses. Antibiotics
act only against bacteria, so they will do nothing to cure a cold
or 'flu, but your doctor may prescribe them if there is a risk of
secondary bacterial infection. A cold will only develop into the
flu if you also catch the flu virus.
Prevention of
Colds and 'Flu
Medically,
the main option is to have an influenza vaccination, and this is
highly recommended for those at high risk, but this will not
protect against the common cold. You will need to consult your
doctor about this. I would suggest that you take steps to ensure
your immune system is as strong as possible before having the
vaccination.
Naturopathically,
there are a number of options, each aimed at addressing your own
individual risk factors.
Prevention
is the best option. If you have a strong immune system you can
expect to last the whole year without so much as a cold. The
simplest thing you can do is to have a good diet based on fresh
vegetables, fruit and adequate protein from meat, fish or
vegetable sources. Include garlic and onions in your diet and
drink plenty of water. If you are already doing this and still
getting more than one cold per year, come and see me for a
consultation and I will look at factors such as nutritional
status, state of your digestive system, lymphatic system,
allergies, stress, lifestyle and your immune system.
Treatment for
Colds
If you get a cold - treat it at the fist sign of
a sniffle. There are two options:
| For self-treatment of adults (note
children are more sensitive and require smaller doses
with a very careful watch on possible fever), I suggest
firstly that you do not take any cold suppressant drugs,
take 3-5 gm vitamin C spread over the day, take raw
garlic, drink plenty of water, keep warm - go to bed with
a hot lemon drink, and rest. If symptoms persist, if you
have muscle aches and a fever, or if you have any
difficulty breathing, see your doctor.
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| Naturopathic treatment - I can give you a
herbal mixture which will be very effective in assisting
a rapid recovery. Herbs have a long history of use for
colds and influenza. They act by supporting the immune
system, supporting the fever reaction, and helping with
coughing. Various nutrients may also be helpful. You may
need further treatment if your immune system is
compromised. Each person needs to be treated
individually, so I will give you herbs and nutrients that
are particularly suited to your individual requirement. If you do
not like the taste of liquid herbs, there are some very good herbal tablets
I have in stock.
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Back to Contents
Treatment for
Influenza
If
you get the 'flu - seek medical advice then follow up with naturopathic
treatment. It can be a serious
disease, and many people die each year from the effect of
influenza.
| It is not advisable to self-treat for
influenza. See you doctor, you may need antibiotics if
there is a secondary bacterial infection such as a strep
throat.
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| Naturopathic treatment - once your doctor
has ruled out any complications, I can give you herbs and
nutrients to help your immune system fight the viral
infection, as well as looking for any contributing
factors that may be stressing your immune system.
Naturopathic treatment can be safely be used in
conjunction with medical treatment to help reduce the
severity of infection and hasten the recovery time.
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How can supplements help with the common cold?
| Andrographis has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the severity of
symptoms of the common cold |
| Echinacea has been shown in studies to reduce symptoms of upper
respiratory tract infections |
| Olive leaf can inhibit viral replication and has been shown to be
effective against respiratory infections |
| Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds |
| Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune system |
| Probiotics taken for several months have been shown to reduce the
incidence of colds |
| Multi vitamin and mineral supplements help to supply essential nutrients
for the health of the body. |
Ring naturopath Peter Kelly at St
George Naturopathic Clinic 02 9580 6708
Disclaimer:
None of the information on this web site is intended to replace
any medical advice or any other professional advice, nor is it
intended to replace any prescribed medication. It is
dangerous to self-prescribe, so if you have any health problems,
see your doctor, qualified naturopath or other qualified health
professional.
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