Differentiating Between A Flu, A Cold and An Allergy
Yes it is true that many in their ripe middle age still do not know how to distinguish between a flu and an allergy. Adding to the confusion is that many people use the word "flu" loosely to actually describe a "common cold". There are constitutional symptoms that distinguish a flu from the common cold.
So for the benefit of all the midlife folks (especially those living in the northern hemisphere because they are currently in what is described as "cold or flu season") who are still struggling with their runny noses or whooping coughs, we will attempt to explain in as simple terms as possible the characteristics of each condition. The purpose of this is so that people can understand their particular ailments better so that they can take the right treatments and prevent an extended bout with their sicknesses.- Flu
"Flu" is actually the short form of "influenza". It is a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract when it is inhaled.
Also known as grippe, it is a highly infectious virus that causes several symptoms, including:
- chills from fever;
- hacking cough;
- fatigue;
- body and joint pains.
There are three types of flu viruses: A, B, and C. Type A can infect a range of animal species, including humans. Only humans can be infected by either types B and C. Type A is responsible for most flu cases, while infections of types B and C virus are less common and cause milder illnesses.
Antibiotics are useless in treating influenza although it can be used to treat secondary infections. Secondary infections are bacterial infections that affect the lower respiratory tract. Signs of a secondary respiratory infection often appear just as the patient is getting well. Symptoms include high fever with intense chills, chest pains when breathing, and a productive cough or sinus discharge with thick yellowish-green phlegm. The patient may also suffer from sinus or ear infections. If these symptoms appear, medical treatment is likely to be necessary.
A professional can obviously prescribe the appropriate treatment. At home, the patient should get a lot of rest, , eat nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids. For sore throats, gargling with warm water and salt will help. A vaporizer or nebulizer will also ease difficulty in breathing associated with the respiratory infection.
- Common cold
Similar to a flu, the common cold is also a viral infection of the upper and sometimes the lower respiratory system. Unlike flu, no fever is associated with a cold. Symptoms are stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and sometimes fatigue and a sore throat. These symptoms usually last only a few days.
A cold, also known as rhinovirus, strikes bodily parts such as the nose, throat, sinuses, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes. There are over 200 viruses that can cause one to get the sniffles. It is often said that getting wet from the rain or being caught in a draft can cause a cold, the medical sciences dispute them. They do agree though that stress, fatigue, too much smoking and poor diet can contribute to a person catching it.
Similar also to the flu, a secondary infection of the lower respiratory system could occur. When that happens, the patient will experience any of the following symptoms--ear infection, strep throat, sinus infection or even pneumonia.
Colds usually resolve themselves in a matter of days. Drinking lots of fresh juices with vitamin C and taking chicken soup are proven home remedies. Get lots of rest and eat healthy food also help.
- Allergies
Unlike flus or the common cold, allergies are not infections per se although infections could occur as a result. Allergies are abnormal reactions of a person's immune system as a response against something it perceives to be a threat to it.
When a foreign particle invades our immune system, its first reaction is to set off antibodies. These antibodies are capable of binding themselves to identifying molecules of the particles, called antigens. When antibodies and antigens interact, a series of chemical reactions are set off in order to protect the body from infection. Specific antigens could set off an allergic reaction, and these are called allergens.
Common allergens can come from food, milk, drugs, dust, dander, house mites, pollen, cigarette smoke, fumes from chemicals or solvents--basically, everyday things. The consequences vary--from runny nose to asthma; from itching to swelling of the skin; from cramps to diarrhea.
People who are diagnosed with allergic reactions are usually prescribed medication to deal with the condition. However it all boils down to common sense if one really desires to be rid of allergies--stay away from known allergens, keep the house and work environment clean, install an air cleaner,
eat healthy foods, etc.
As you may have noticed if you have been following our website, our motto here is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Many illnesses can be avoided, especially during the midlife stage, if one were to take supplements regularly. So here are some recommended supplements for avoiding bouts with the flu, cold or allergies. You can also take these if you are also suffering from any of these conditions so that the healing process can be accelerated:
- Grapeseed extract
- the most powerful antioxidant to help protect the cells from damage, also has anti-inflammatory properties;
- Ginger
- reduces fever and pain, settles the stomach, and suppresses cough;
- Slippery elm
- soothes sore throat, eases coughing and thins mucous;
- Echinacea, goldenseal
- relieves cold symptoms, reduces fever, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive properties;
- Astragalus
- boosts the immune system;
- Elder
- decreases inflammation and nasal discharge;
- Stinging nettle
- antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin C
