Influenza

The common cold is one of the most frequently occurring illnesses in the world. In Australia, most children catch 6-12 colds per year, and adults average 2-4.¹ 

Symptoms include nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing. Usually these last for around a week.

Although research continues into “curing the common cold”, we can still only treat the symptoms - and the fact it is caused by over 200 known viruses makes it almost impossible to vaccinate against.²

Flu, on the other hand, comes on much more quickly than a cold, has more severe and debilitating symptoms including muscular aches and pains, and can last much longer.

There is a vaccine available for the flu, which is recommended for certain groups of people (see next page). It does not always prevent flu from developing, but it significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Either virus is extremely unpleasant and makes life difficult. So while we can treat the symptoms of cold and flu it’s always much better to try to prevent them.

Here are a few tips.

What can be done?

Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential to help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.

Washing hands is essential; before eating, after going to the toilet, after playing with children or pets or touching public surfaces such as supermarket shopping trolleys or escalator hand rails.

In the home, germ-killing disinfectants can help keep the house “healthy” . Eucalyptus oil and spray are a good natural alternative to chemical cleaning products, to help remove harmful germs in the kitchen, bathroom and living areas.

And of course – avoiding people with colds makes good sense! Most viruses are caught by airborne coughs and sneezes.

Flu vaccines

Because of flu’s potential to complicate serious illnesses, The Department of Human Services recommends the following groups should receive a flu vaccine each year.³

• Everyone over the age of 65
• Adults and children with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, or diabetes
• People on immunosuppressive treatments (including long term steroids)
• Residents in nursing homes and aged care facilities.

 The flu vaccine is usually available between March and May each year and is free for the above groups. For more information contact your doctor or local community health centre.

It is a matter of preference for healthy adults to have the vaccine, however it is not generally necessary and many prefer to explore natural ways to help prevent winter illness.

Nutrition & Lifestyle

Our bodies have a complex immune system that prevents us from succumbing to most of the bacteria and viruses which we’re exposed to every day. As good as this system is, it has its limits - and if compromised by emotional stress, environmental pollutants, poor diet or physical exhaustion it can weaken, allowing an infection to develop.

Nutrition is one of our main tools for keeping the immune system strong and healthy. Sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals is essential to keep the body’s systems working properly.

In an ideal world we would all get enough nutrients from the food we eat. However in a lot of cases supplementation is necessary.

Growing children: Children grow at such a rapid rate that their need for essential nutrients may exceed the amount available in their diet.

The elderly: Needs for certain vitamins (such as vitamin D) increase with age and with illness and declining appetite many elderly may find their diet is not supporting their immune system.

Smokers, those with a poor diet, stress or other factors: Modern life and demands on our time mean nutrients like essential fatty acids and vitamins may be lacking. Smokers require at least twice the amount of Vitamin C as non-smokers4 - stress can deplete the body of nutrients, and most of us do not eat enough fish to obtain a correct balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 for general wellbeing.

Immune-Supporting Nutrients

As well as ensuring a balanced diet and reducing stress there are certain immune supporting herbs and nutrients which can be of benefit.

Astragalus is a traditional Chinese herb, highly valued for its immune-boosting properties. Clinical studies have shown it to be effective when used as a preventative measure against the common cold.5 It has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold.

Vitamin A is essential to proper immune function.6 It plays an important role in maintaining the mucous linings of the body, which help trap viruses and bacteria. It also enhances white blood cell function and increases antibody response.7 Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant which helps protect the thymus gland, which is susceptible to free radical damage.

Zinc is involved in virtually every aspect of immunity. When zinc levels are low, a number of cell functions critical to the immune response cease. Studies have shown this effect is reversed by zinc supplementation.8 Zinc, like Vitamin C, also posesses an antiviral activity against several viruses that cause the common cold.

Good general nutrition is also vital to create a healthy, strong system which will ward off colds. Omega-3 is a nutrient most Australians need more of, with our low intake of fatty fish. These helpful oils are important in maintaining overall wellbeing.