Health Canada estimates that ten to twenty-five percent of us will get the flu or a common cold between November and April. Keeping your body strong and healthy boosts your chances of getting through the season of hack and sniffle.

Which is which?
The common cold is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the nose, sinuses and throat. The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause a high fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, pain, fatigue and weakness. Both are spread through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Inhaling these droplets, having them land on your eyes or shaking hands can transfer the virus to you. And, of course, but unfortunately, a kiss could be a risk.

Key – build your immune system
“If you’re coming down with something – cold or flu – and want to circumvent it, take some Echinacea,” says Dr. Helena Ovens, a doctor of naturopathy.

Look for a standardized formulation like Echinilin™, developed to prevent and lessen the severity, and duration of colds and flu.

Dr. Ovens also suggests shiitake or reishi mushrooms.

Other immune boosters are supplements such as elderberry, goldenseal, zinc and Vitamin C that have been recommended and used for centuries.

Cold-fx®, a derivative of North American ginseng, is popular with some Canadian hockey teams and Olympic athletes, according to Jacqueline Shan, Ph.D in Physiology and Pharmacology. Shan is President and Chief Science Officer at CV Technologies, the company that developed Cold-fx®.

“Our clinical studies show that it works against both cold and flu viruses,” Shan shares.

To the rescue
Aromatherapists suggest several essential oils often used in facial steams to help clear bronchial passages and sinuses. Juniper can decrease mucus production; eucalyptus is a stimulant for the lungs; and camphor to ease respiration.

“I really encourage people to go to bed,” says Dr. Ovens. “Rest is a great healer. Almost all of your repair work is done when you’re at rest.

”Homeopathic remedies match the remedy to the specific symptom. “The whole idea of homeopathy is that everyone is different and expresses their illness in their own way. I’d probably treat five people with colds with different remedies,” she explains.

Medications
If you do get a cold, you can take care of yourself without seeing a doctor. “Antibiotics don’t work on viruses,” says Dr. Manno. Most over-the-counter medications help relieve symptoms but don’t shorten the cold. Look for a product that addresses your symptoms, like some of the Rexall™ branded products. A lozenge or hot tea for a sore throat; a drying up medication for a runny nose as long as you don’t have high blood pressure; a persistent cough may be alleviated with an over-the-counter cough suppressant. Talk with your pharmacist if you are on any medication.

The ‘flu’
This virus is of concern to people over 65 because it can lead to pneumonia. Health Canada recommends the flu shot except for children under six months and people who have a severe egg allergy. “The likelihood of flu shots causing harm is extremely small,” counsels Dr. Manno.

Dr. Ovens offers a homeopathic alternative, “We give patients a remedy called influenzinum once a month from September to April. Patients report that either they didn’t get the flu or had a mild case.”
Herbal remedies for flu are also available, such as Sambucol Anti-Viral Flu Care®, derived from black elderberry extract.

Seek medical attention for the flu when you’re in a high risk group with heart or lung problems, and if you’ve had plenty of rest and your symptoms haven’t cleared up in a week.

Prevention Plan
1. Get enough sleep. Viruses are around us all the time, when our immune system is low they can take over.

2. Wash hands frequently. Avoid spreading the virus.

3. Eat fresh and healthy. Veggies and high anti-oxidant foods help fight illness.

4. Do daily physical activity to keep your body strong.

5. Keep hydrated, the best choice – water.6. Manage stress, it taxes your immune system.