Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Dr. Duke Johnson, M.D.
Nutrilite Health Institute

Every year, millions of us catch colds or the flu. How can you tell the difference between the two and is there a way to protect yourself?

And the diagnosis is …
Cold and flu symptoms can be similar – but you’ll feel the effects of the flu much sooner than you will symptoms of a cold. Other differences include:

An ounce of prevention …
The best way to fight both colds and the flu is to follow these simple tips:

• Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of getting a flu shot.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after shaking hands, being close to sick people, blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing, and before you eat. You should wash with soap and warm water, for long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
• Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and put them into the trash immediately.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
• Don’t touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Get enough sleep to avoid getting run down.
• Manage your stress levels.
• Eat right and get regular exercise.
• Don’t share work tools. Wipe your phone, desk, and keyboard with alcohol rubs throughout the day.
• Avoid crowds and keep your distance from people you know are sick.

Foods for prevention
The best tip of all is to keep your immune system in optimal condition year- round. If you or your kids seem to get one cold after another, eat plenty of immune-building foods. It’s the nutrients that fuel our bodies for growth, development, and disease prevention.

And if you think you're falling short of getting enough nutrients from the foods you eat, remember that a multivitamin and other supplements can help out.

Foods that heal

Herbal treatments

What the science says
Studies in people (clinical studies) have provided some mixed results about the effectiveness of echinacea, although the majority of studies support its use. The inconsistencies may be due to the wide range of echinacea products available, which can vary by species, part of the plant used in supplement preparation, dosage, and frequency of administration.

The use of supplements, such as echinacea, yields the best results when incorporated safely into your overall wellness regimen. Be sure to share with your doctor or other health-care professional information about the dietary supplements you are taking, so that he or she can best work with you to coordinate your care.

Feeling better
Getting sick – and getting well – are a part of life. If you do catch a cold or the flu:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Use a humidifier to moisten mucous membranes.
• Continue working out. Studies show that a session of moderate physical activity has a positive effect on the immune system. And as you strengthen your immune system, in time this will mean catching fewer colds and upper respiratory tract infections.

Links/Sources
National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. www.nccam.nih.gov
www.mealsmatter.org
www.webmd.com
www.cdc.gov

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