Cold and flu will have similar symptoms. The symptoms of cold will persist for few days while the symptoms of cold flu will persist for many weeks. Sneezing, coughing, headache and feverishness are quite common among people suffering from cold flu. If the flu is severe, it may have its roots from pneumonia and it should be controlled under the supervision of a medical professional.
The following ways can help in overcoming cold flu during the winter season:
Boost immune system
To get rid of cold flu, you should boost the immune system. There are various ways to boost your immune system. You can implement various kinds of home remedies to improve the immunity levels in the body. By strengthening the gut, you can enhance immunity. Consume food items that are rich in antioxidants. Stay hydrated and takes sufficient rest on daily basis. You should not forget daily exercising routine as you will be able to improve your health.
Avoid processed foods
Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. By consuming freshly cooked food in a hygienic environment, you will not be exposed to various kinds of viruses and bacteria. Nutrient-rich food items have anti-inflammatory properties as well. You should avoid processed food items which are rich in sugars and salts. The immune function will be altered with the consumption of processed food items.
Zinc-rich food items
You can exercise great control over cold symptoms by consuming zinc-rich food items. The food items which are rich in zinc include spinach, beans, nuts and oysters. They are found in pumpkin seeds as well. By consuming zinc-rich food, you can shorten the duration of the cold. Zinc will improve immunity levels in the body.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is rich in citrus fruits like oranges and lemon. Hence, you should include them in your daily food consumption. By consuming high doses of vitamin C, you can get rid of cold flu very easily. If you fail to supplement sufficient vitamin C through the regular food items, you can consume vitamin C supplements.
Exercise regimen
In the winter season, you may be lazy enough to skip physical exercising. If you cannot venture outdoors, you can resort indoor exercises. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and treadmill exercises should be chosen and implemented as per your age and health condition. With regular exercising, the heart pumping will improve and there will be an enhancement of lung functionality as well.
Access to fresh air
Poor ventilation and exposure to air pollution will aggravate the condition. Hence, you should keep your surroundings clean and tidy. Personal hygiene will also play a great role in enhancing your health condition. The air circulation in home can be improved by opening windows and doors. You should also take steps to let the natural sun rays into your home.
Avoid touching contaminated surfaces
The flu virus can be spread through various sources. Hence, you should avoid contact with the contaminated surface. If you touch contaminated objects with fingers, you are likely to keep them inside your eyes, nose or mouth. The fungus present on computers, phones and desks may spread very easily. Hence, the susceptible areas should be cleaned with products which have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Lavender oil
Hand sanitizers are widely used during travel for convenience. You should ensure that the product is free from triclosan as it may disrupt hormones in the body. You can use soap and fresh water to clean your hands on a regular basis. Sanitizer made with lavender oil will also have a great impact on your health. Alcohol-based sanitizer has the capability to kill cold flu germs.
Avoid close contact with the sick
You should avoid close contact with people who are sick. If the other person is already suffering from cold flu, you should avoid handshaking. You can also explain the reason for not shaking hands with the other person in a polite and acceptable manner.
Wash your hands
You should wash your hands at frequent intervals throughout the day. Regardless of your nature of work, you are advised to wash your hands to keep off the infection-causing germs. The infection will spread very easily from one person to another person through touch. If you touch objects and surfaces which are used by a person suffering from cold flu, you will have a high risk of contracting the infection.
Flu shot
You can take a flu shot by consulting your physician. You may get protection through the winter season.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Your lifestyle will have a huge impact on your overall health. Even though you will want to complete a ton of tasks on daily basis, you should not neglect the consumption of healthy and hygienic food at regular intervals. The salts and sugars should be reduced to improve your health condition and reduce risk to various kinds of health conditions. Regular exercising routine and rest will play great role in getting protection from various kinds of infections. There will be quick recovery after the onset of infection when you manage a good lifestyle.
Chicken soup
The upper respiratory symptoms can be addressed in an effective way with the consumption of chicken soup. A chicken soup made with low sodium will keep you hydrated and it will have great nutritional value as well. The soup will also protect you from the infection.
Ginger
Ginger root has great health benefits and it is one of the oldest remedy attempted by man. There will be quick relief from sore throat when you consume hot soup made with ginger sticks.
Honey
Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. There will be quick relief after drinking a mixture prepared with honey and lemon. The cold symptoms can be reduced by consuming honey during bedtime.
Garlic
Garlic has great properties to reduce cold flu symptoms. It can be used for prevention as well as for controlling the symptoms.
Saltwater
Gargling with the warm saltwater will contain the infection and you will get great relief as well.
Vapor Rub
Vicks vapor rub can be applied once or twice before the bedtime to enhance the breathing and there will be great relief from symptoms.
Conclusion
Cold flu can be overcome by taking preventive steps. There are various kinds of home remedies which help you in overcoming the symptoms.