Similar to the flu the common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, however, In contrast to the flu, the common cold can be caused by over 200 viruses with rhinoviruses being the most common. Colds are generally harmless and symptoms will usually resolve themselves within a 14-day period.

Colds are most often contracted in the winter months since cold viruses favour colder less humid air.

Symptoms:

Since both the common cold and influenza are upper respiratory conditions it is often difficult to distinguish between them. The primary differences between the common cold and the flu are as follows:

Common cold
1. A sore throat is usually present.
2. Fever is usually only seen in young children and very rarely in adults.
3. Nasal congestion is frequently seen.
4. Headaches are rare.
5. A cough and chest infection is commonly seen although only in a mild to moderate form.
6. Sneezing is usually seen.
7. Aches and pains are only mildly experienced.
8. Mild Fatigue may be present.

Influenza
1. A sore throat is only occasionally seen.
2. A high Fever lasting 3 to 4 days is usually seen in adults and children.
3. Nasal congestion is rarely seen.
4. Headaches are common.
5. A cough and chest infection is commonly seen which in immunocompromised individuals can lead to complications such as pneumonia
6. Sneezing is rarely seen
7. Severe aches and pains may be experienced
8. Severe fatigue is often experienced

Whenever a high fever or severe symptoms are present you may be dealing with influenza rather than a cold. Small children, the immunosuppressed, and the elderly might be at greater risk for complications with influenza.

Treatments:

Treatments will entail helping to reduce symptoms until the cold has run its course

1. Keep well hydrated with filtered water, and juice, also try sipping warm/hot liquids like clear chicken broth or chicken/turkey/vegetable soup. Warm lemon water and honey may help to loosen congestion and prevents dehydration
2. Rest. Unless a fever is present try to stay active since moving around may assist loosen up mucous and built-up fluids.
3. Immune boosting supplementation, homeopathic and herbal remedies are useful in treating common cold symptoms.
4. A humidifier may assist by adding moisture to your environment which will help to loosen congestion.
5. For sore throats using a saltwater gargle (made by combining a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt) may be useful for easing the pain.
6. Saline nasal drops and sprays may help can keep nasal passages moist and loosen mucus.

NOTE:
1. Antibiotics are of no use against viruses and shouldn’t be used unless there is a bacterial infection.

2. Avoid giving ASPRIN to children under 19 with a cold. Research has shown that this is potentially dangerous and may lead to Reye’s Syndrome (“A rare but serious condition that causes confusion, swelling in the brain and liver damage”)

3. Ensure that you wash your hands often and dispose of used tissues to minimise the risk of infecting others. Cold viruses can survive outside of the body for several hours and are usually found on hands, used tissues, and hard surfaces.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Buffered vitamin C – supports a healthy immune system, promoting your body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses
2. Echinacea – reduces the body’s susceptibility to colds and flu. Limits the duration and severity of infections. It helps to fight recurrent respiratory, middle ear, and urinary tract infections. It is an immune booster
3. Zinc MSM & D3 – protects the immune system and defends against bodily invaders. Assists with viral and bacterial invaders.
4. Tibb flu-relief – for colds & flu
5. Influenza informational – assists in eradicating influenza (flu) and infectious disease caused by the influenza virus
6. Oxy 101 – is a strong immune booster and may be used for viral, bacterial and parasitic conditions.
7. Zinc – is thought to help shorten the duration of cold symptoms by supporting the immune system and inhibiting the replication of cold viruses.

Causes:

The common cold can be caused by over 200 viruses with rhinoviruses being the most common.

Underlying Emotions:

On the Emotional level contracting a cold permits us to withdraw ourselves somewhat from a particular situation that is perceived as oppressing us. We are thus able to devote all of our attention to ourselves.

Diet:

1. Increase foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruit, oranges, and orange juice, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes.
2. Eat easily digestible foods such as barley gruel or barley juice
3. Hydrate well with liquids, fresh fruit juices, soups, herbal teas, filtered water, and honey to prevent dehydration.
4. Avoid meals heavy in proteins, fats, meat, vinegar, shellfish, dairy products (mucous forming foods), white bread, refined foods, processed foods, sugar, and tofu.

Remedies: