DON’T LET THE COLD AND FLU SNEAK YOU UP.!

Monsoon’s are here in full swing and it’s that time of the year after a scorching summer heat which gives us relief from the sweltering heat along with a cooler climate. Also the season gets along an increased chances of bacterial infection which causes viral fever, cold and flu and many other bacterial infections. Of which cold and flu are the most common infections experienced during the season which has been a concern for all of us and our loved ones.

This year due to the pandemic, the concern is all the more serious as cold, cough, fever, taste buds are impaired, hampered physical well-being which are normal symptoms of the cold and flu are also risky symptoms for the virus.Taking a lot of precautions has been more necessary now since the virus is more active than ever and seasonal cold and flu should be something which should not be neglected.Having a stronger immunity will help you recover faster and reduce the chances of infections. 

Cold & flu is caused when a virus named Rhinovirus which enters your body which also known as an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system. There are more than 100 different viruses present that can make you sick. It’s the body’s immune system that acts as a defence mechanism against the virus and the most classic symptom is cough or a stuffy nose that is your body’s way of responding to the virus. It triggers the mucous gland to work towards fighting against the virus. Common cold and flu have more than 200 viruses of Rhinovirus and therefore the body can never build resistance towards it, therefore common cold and flu are very common to return often. Also common cold is contagious and one can contract them when someone sneezes, coughs or shake hands.The common cold is also known as Acute Viral Rhinopharyngitis and Acute Coryza.

The most common symptoms for cold and flu are:

1. Coughing 
2. A sore throat 
3. There may be pain on swallowing 
4. Runny nose
5. Fever 
6. Sinusitis 

Some common home remedies for cold and flu:

1. Steaming: Take steam atleast once to upto 2 times a day. Steaming is a natural method of introducing warm moist air to the lungs through the nose and throat. It helps ease out the feeling of irritation and swollen blood vessels in the nasal passage. Steaming helps the mucus in the sinusitis to become thinner and is expelled out of the nasal passage and also improves the breathing pattern.

2.  Salt water gargles: is another method which helps reduce swelling in the throat and loosens the mucus formation. Salt acts as an anti-bacterial and therefore helps flushing out the toxic virus and reduce irritation. Simply just make the water lukewarm add a pinch of salt and turmeric as it is an antiseptic and gargle. [Note: The water must be luke warm and not boiling hot]

3. Listen to your body: Often you must be noticing that during a cold and flu your appetite tends to reduce a lot. Don’t worry it is actually a good sign that your body is trying to heal itself and is only taking the amount of food it needs to repair itself. Gradually the body would start signalling that it is healing and will soon get back to normal.

4. Maintaining proper fluid intake: It is very important to have a balance fluid intake during cold and flu because the symptoms of it are sweating, runny nose, fever which can also lead to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated it is difficult for the mucus to loosen and can aggravate irritation. Staying well hydrated helps the body to defend against the virus. Consume 2-3 litres of water minimum during the day. Also include warm fluids like a hot bowl of soup, the warmth of the soup helps soothes the throat.

5. Herbal concoction

1. Mix equal amounts of mint leaves juices and ginger juice in water and heat it till it comes to 1-2 boils, then let it cool down till lukewarm. Add 1 tsp honey if required and consume it immediately. (You can store batch make it and reheat to lukewarm before consumption)
2. Boil 4-5 peppercorns , 2” cinnamon stick and little ginger in 1 glass water and reduce it half, drink it warm.
3. Take out some fresh ginger juice, slightly heat it and add a pinch of salt to it and consume it.
4. Drink a glass of warm milk with turmeric and black pepper before sleeping.

6.  Rest: Rest is very important apart from all the other treatments as when the body is at complete rest it can utilise all its energy to heal the body completely faster. If you try to work even when you are sick it will increase the stress on the body and will make it difficult to repair itself.Do not exert yourself, if you have the energy then a light walk or stretches is all you should be doing, avoid intense exercises for 3-5 days or till you have recovered completely.

Giveaway Message:

Cold and flu is something that the body cannot get resistant to and therefore chances of recurrence is higher. As per the current scenario going to the doctor has been very difficult, therefore you should try these above mentioned remedies at an earlier stage for you and your loved ones so the body can heal naturally and the chances of the flu becoming serious and visiting a doctor reduces. However if the illness is not been treated with these then consulting a doctor becomes necessary.