Friday, January 9, 2015

The 2015 Flu Season

The flu is a very contagious virus that is more prevalent in the winter and early spring. The flu spreads throughout the respiratory tract and attacks the body. A cold is also a viral infection of the respiratory tract with symptoms similar to the flu.

Cold and flu symptoms can include congestion, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, headache and chest discomfort. However, the symptoms of the flu can also include high fever for several days, body aches, fatigue and weakness. Extreme flu cases can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The “stomach flu” is gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu is spread through respiratory secretions when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the flu virus, make direct contact through sharing drinks or utensils, or handle items contaminated by an infected person. The flu virus on your skin can infect you when you touch or rub your eyes, nose or mouth. That's why frequent and thorough hand washing is a key way to prevent or limit the spread of flu.

Flu symptoms start to develop from one to four days after infection with the virus. Anyone can get the flu, but the very young and elderly are more likely to have complications from the flu.

The viruses that can cause colds and flu can hide in your house. Cleaning toys, door handles, TV remotes, bath surfaces and telephone receivers can help prevent the spread of the flu.

There are homeopathic medicines, herbal blends and additional natural remedies available that may help to reduce the duration and severity of colds and common flu symptoms such as fever, aches and cough.

·        Oscillococcinum is a non drowsy homeopathic formula safe for ages 2 and up.
·        Sambucus FluCare is a multi-symptom flu relief that naturally alleviates fever, cough, congestion and sore throat.
·        Hyland’s Defend is a homeopathic syrup helps with the safe and effective relief of runny nose, nasal congestion, body aches, headache, sore throat and fatigue.
·        Boiron homeopathic Influenzinum 30C can lessen flu-like symptoms.
·        NatraBio Cold & Sinus homeopathic nasal spray is non-addictive and helps with congested nasal passages, sinus pressure, headache, sneezing and runny nose.
·        Boiron Chestal Honey homeopathic cough syrup relieves dry cough and chest congestion for ages 2 and up.
·        A Nasopure Nasal Wash system can help with maintaining nasal and respiratory health related to colds.
·        Organic Sambucus Lozenges with elderberry, vitamin c and zinc are herbal and nutritional formulas that may help to boost immunity and soothe the throat.

Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing and Wellness Support