The following chart may help to differentiate between the two.
| Symptom | Common Cold | Flu |
Onset | Slow | Fast |
Duration | 7-10 Days | 2-5 Days |
| Muscle Aches | Uncommon | Common |
Chills | Uncommon | Common |
| Headache | Uncommon | Common |
| Serious Complications | Uncommon | Severe |
Fever | Mild | Severe |
Chest Discomfort | Mild | Severe |
| Weakness, Fatigue | Mild | Severe |
Cough | Mild | Severe |
Sneezing | Common | Uncommon |
Congestion | Common | Uncommon |
| Sore Throat | Common | Uncommon |
Appetite | Normal | Diminished |
Fortunately homeopathy is based on a symptoms picture, and the
combination Mediral formula Flu Med is effective for preventing and
treating both colds and flu.
Medirals Flu Med
is a complex homeopathic remedy specially formulated to address the
common symptoms of respiratory illnesses, both colds and flu.
These include coughs, muscle aches, fever, chills, mucus, catarrh,
sore throat, headaches, upset stomach and sweats.
Ingredients:
Dulcamara 2x - Body feels as if it were beaten up.**
Ulmus fulva 2x - Sore throat.**
Sambucus nigra 2x - Ideal for treatment of colds and influenza.**
Solidago virgaurea 2x, 4x -Upper respiratory catarrh and influenza.**
Eupatorium perfoliatum 3x - Aching in bones, influenza, chronic loose cough.**
Ubiquinone 3x - Inflammation and suppuration of the mucus membranes.**
Eucalyptus globulus 3x - Flu with burning in the stomach. Great heat in colon. Imperative defecation.**
Aconitinum napellus 3x, 6x, 12x - Fever alternating with chills.**
Marrubium vulgare 4x - Colds and coughs, long infections and fever.**
Eugenia caryophyllata 4x - Antiviral properties.**
Mentha piperita 6x - Colds. Dry cough. Sore throat. Upset stomach.**
Ferrum Metallicum 6x - Infections. Colds.**
Rhus toxicodendron 10x - Influenza fever, restless,stiff and sore.**
Phosphorous 12x, 24x - Hoarseness and coughing.**
Natrum Muriaticum 12x, 30x - Fever, colds, canker sores.**
Influenzinum 12x, 30x, 60x - Cold complaints.**
Mercurius Vivus 30x - Exhausting sweats.**
Cold Weather, Colds and Flu
According to research done by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, brief exposure to cold activates the immune system, possibly due to an increase of circulating norepinephrine, a natural decongestant. Extended exposure to cold leading to hypothermia appears to suppress the immune system (duh!), which can make infection more likely. Winter colds & flu seems more due to proximity to other people (activities are usually held indoors), poor diet (holidays, parties) and a drying of the nasal mucosa (thus interfering with the physical barrier to infection) than actual weather conditions.**
Exercise Reduces Colds and Flu
Common sense is finally supported by science - exercise appears to reduce the odds
of catching viruses. Moderate, consistent exercise daily strengthens the immune
system. In a study performed at the Appalachian State University, brisk walking for 40 minutes per day reduced the number of sick days due to colds, flu and sore throats by half. It is possible, however, to overdo it. Participants who exercised for 90 minutes or more actually experienced reduced immunity and were more susceptible to illness for up to 72 hours afterward.**
9 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Colds and Flu
Someone with influenza can be contagious an entire day before developing any symptoms, and up to 7 days after symptoms develop. Nothing can guarantee a flu-free season, but good habits can reduce the chance of catching a cold or the flu. They also help halt the spread through the population.**
1. Boost your own immune system with preventative homeopathy, supplements, rest and good nutrition.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
4. Wash your hands often with soap and water. 20-30 seconds of vigorous washing with soap denatures parts of the virus,reducing its ability to infect a host.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Mucousal membranes are prime avenues for viruses
to enter the body.
6. Reduce contact with infected individuals when possible. Virus particles can be coughed or
sneezed onto a surface (or individual) up to 6 feet away.
7. Reduce contact with items an infected individual has touched, such as utensils or virus-laden surfaces. Viruses are able to survive on surfaces 2-8 hours (and some even longer).
8. Moderate exercise regularly. Exercise produces antibodies that help fight infections. The key is light exercise; excessive exercise tends to weaken the immune system.
9. Take a hot sauna 1-2 times per week
Nasal Discharge
The
average child has 6-8 colds per year. Symptoms of a normal
cold can include nasal congestion, sneezing, aches, cough, scratchy or
sore throat and nasal discharge. Many people think that a green or
yellow color to nasal discharge means a bacterial infection is
present. This is not always true. Thick yellow or green discharge is
normal during the course of a cold and does not necessarily
indicate a bacterial infection.** If it continued for more than 14 days, it may be bacterial and may require treatment such as Endoxinol or Bactex by Mediral.
Should You Exercise When You're Sick?
Exercise is an important part of any health regimen, but there are times when the workout should be skipped. As
a general rule, if the signs and symptoms are above the neck
(nasal congestion or discharge, sneezing, minor sore
throat), moderate exercise is usually OK. You may want to
reduce either the intensity or duration of your workout to allow the
body to heal more effectively and to prevent the inhalation of viruses
or bacteria deeper into the lungs. Signs and symptoms below
the neck
(chest congestion, deep cough, upset stomach, abdominal pain, vomiting,
muscle aches and pains, fever) should be a warning sign to skip your
workout for a few days & let your body heal.**
Dr Recommend's Zinc Oligo
Zinc has demonstrated anti-viral activities, particularly against the viruses responsible for respiratory
infections. While research is plentiful on the effects of zinc to ease
the severity and duration of the common cold, the jury is still out on
its benefits to the flu. Research suggests that, since they are both respiratory illnesses, zinc should do the same for flu
sufferer. Zinc is an anti-inflammatory, and is an important part
of a strong immune system, and if your diet is deficient in zinc
(meats, eggs, cereal), it's likely you will be more susceptible to
infections.**
*Diabetics and Alzheimer patients should consult their physician before beginning a zinc supplement.
Boost Immunity!
Mediral's Immunity Formula is a non-homeopathic supplement that combines key vitamins, minerals, and herbs to support the body's immune system and promote overall health and wellness. The immune system is an intricate network of cells, organs, specialized tissues, and chemicals. The lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus gland, and tonsils all play a role, as do antibodies as well as specialized white blood cells known as natural killer cells (NK cells), T cells, and B cells (collectively known as lymphocytes). Two types of immunity protect the body; innate and adaptive. Innate immunity provides the first barrier against microorganisms and is present at birth. The skin, mucus, and stomach acids are examples of innate immunity that keep unwanted germs, viruses, bacteria, and parasites from vulnerable tissues. Adaptive immunity is acquired throughout life, such as after immunizations or successfully fighting off an infection. Symptoms of decreased immune function include frequent colds or flu, recurring parasitic infections, infections that escalate from mild to serious, and infections that are usually well controlled by a healthy immune system. Dietary and health factors affect immune function. For instance, all forms of sugar interfere with the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria; studies suggest diets high in sucrose (table sugar) impair immune function. Alcohol intake also interferes with a wide variety of immune defenses.**
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent disease. Seek professional help if a condition
worsens or lasts more than 7 days.
Source: Mediral.com
