Cold or Flu – How To Tell The Difference
Common Cold
Gradual
Clear, drippy discharge
Dry and scratchy
Possibly slight cough
Heavy headed
None or low-grade
None
None
None
Flu
Abrupt & severe
Congested
Pain/sore
Possibly severe and persistent cough
Pronounced headache
Usually present
Present
Present
Usually present
Symptoms
Onset
Nose
Throat
Chest
Head
Fever
Fatigue
Poor Appetite
Body Ache
Colds and flu are caused by viral infections. They are accepted as the leading cause of doctor’s visits and absence from work. Statistics show that the majority of adults get an average of four colds a year. Children tend to have a higher incidence. Yet some others hardly catch anything at all. Despite the vast variety of cold medications in the pharmacies, none actually prevent or cure the common cold. In fact, some might even make things worse by suppressing the body’s own natural defenses. Suppressing sneezes, mucus production and fever lengthens the amount of time the body needs to expel the virus.
The best way to fight a cold or flu is not to catch one in the first place! The status of your immune system will determine whether you become ill from an infection or not. That’s the reason why some people never fall sick, while some are plagued by recurrent infections all the time. Large doses of vitamin C taken together with some zinc may ease symptoms and decrease the duration.
Helpful Herbs
There are quite a few herbs that can help boost your natural defenses against colds and flu.
Elder berry and flowers – These have long tradition of use as flu fighters. They are especially beneficial for childrenn.
Astragalus – A Chinese herb with immune boosting properties. It works best when taken long term before a cold-flu season starts. I find that Astragalus is particularly beneficial for those people who seem to catch every cold-flu virus that cross their path!
Lemon Balm – As its name implies, the leaves of this plant have an aromatic lemon-mint taste. It fights a host of bacteria and viruses
Siberian Ginseng – This herb has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection by over 95% when taken for a couple of weeks before the flu season starts. Strictly speaking, this herb is not a true ginseng. It is distinctively different and gentler in its action, compared to Chinese Ginseng. Siberian Ginseng is considered very gentle and not too strong or stimulating. Unlike the Chinese type, Siberian Ginseng can be easily recommended for young people and is safe for long-term usage in most people.
Echinacea – This is probably the best herb to use once you are down with a cold or flu. Research shows that Echinacea, when taken as soon as symptoms appear, can lessen the severity. It also helps the individual to recover much quicker.
Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal clinic in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.
