Cold and Flu Prevention
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It’s that time of year again; things are getting colder, wetter and darker.
Cold and Flu season is here. Flu shots may be highly recommended for some, but they
aren't necessary for everyone. Additionally, this year’s flu vaccine does not protect
against Avian flu.
Choosing to not get a flu shot does not condemn you to getting the flu,there are things
that you can do to stay as healthy as possible.
Secret formula #1: Wash your hands! Pathogens are the ultimate tourists, so why give
them a free ride. That’s right folks, good old fashioned hand washing; soap, warm water,
and wash for at least as long as it takes you to sing happy birthday. Some viruses travel
via contact, and can remain active for days on contaminated surfaces. Minimizing contact
minimizes exposure, minimizing exposure minimizes opportunity. After washing, use the
paper towel to open the door. Wash your hands after you blow your nose; keep a good
supply of tissues around. Some recent studies have shown that using an alcohol based
hand sanitizer will also limit contact. This year at the apex of the season, it may be a
good idea. When you cough or sneeze, do it into the crook of the arm, not onto your
hands.
Secret formula #2: Have a plan. Talk to your favorite preventive healthcare specialist
before you get sick. Ask us what herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies or other
therapies we have that are right for you. We custom tailor our medicine to treat you,
before, during, and after you get sick. It may sound odd, but our goal is to NOT see you.
We want you to be as healthy as you can be, for as long as possible. Keep in mind that
since our medicine is about you, what’s good for you may not be good for everyone else
in the family.
Hydrotherapy: Starting to get the sniffles? Have that runny, clogged, stuffy nose? Here is
something that you can do at home that is safe and effective. You will need a pair of thin
cotton socks (white preferably) a pair of thick wool socks, and a hot bath or shower.
Before going to bed, rinse the cotton socks in cold water and wring them out. Take a
hot bath and after the bath, put on the cotton socks, then the wool socks, then hop into
bed. Within minutes the cool socks will warm. Within hours, the socks will be dry and
your nose clearer.
Don’t fear your fever. When you get a fever, it means that your body is doing what it is
supposed to do, elevating your temperature to kill off the invading pathogens. Consult
your preventive specialists to find out what is appropriate for you, when a fever
acceptable, and when it’s not.
Secret formula #3: Stay home! Picture this: you drag yourself out of bed, courageously
struggling into work when you don’t feel up to it. You make it into work. Laudable
effort. You pass your cold to a co-worker; their child has asthma, gets the cold, and
winds up in the ER overnight. If you’re lucky enough to have health insurance, you just
jacked up next year’s premium. Keep your feverish, coughing self at home,you’re sick;
give yourself a rest. The rest of us will thank you for your sensitivity and consideration,
and will do the same for you when your turn comes around.
Cold and Flu season is here. Flu shots may be highly recommended for some, but they
aren't necessary for everyone. Additionally, this year’s flu vaccine does not protect
against Avian flu.
Choosing to not get a flu shot does not condemn you to getting the flu,there are things
that you can do to stay as healthy as possible.
Secret formula #1: Wash your hands! Pathogens are the ultimate tourists, so why give
them a free ride. That’s right folks, good old fashioned hand washing; soap, warm water,
and wash for at least as long as it takes you to sing happy birthday. Some viruses travel
via contact, and can remain active for days on contaminated surfaces. Minimizing contact
minimizes exposure, minimizing exposure minimizes opportunity. After washing, use the
paper towel to open the door. Wash your hands after you blow your nose; keep a good
supply of tissues around. Some recent studies have shown that using an alcohol based
hand sanitizer will also limit contact. This year at the apex of the season, it may be a
good idea. When you cough or sneeze, do it into the crook of the arm, not onto your
hands.
Secret formula #2: Have a plan. Talk to your favorite preventive healthcare specialist
before you get sick. Ask us what herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies or other
therapies we have that are right for you. We custom tailor our medicine to treat you,
before, during, and after you get sick. It may sound odd, but our goal is to NOT see you.
We want you to be as healthy as you can be, for as long as possible. Keep in mind that
since our medicine is about you, what’s good for you may not be good for everyone else
in the family.
Hydrotherapy: Starting to get the sniffles? Have that runny, clogged, stuffy nose? Here is
something that you can do at home that is safe and effective. You will need a pair of thin
cotton socks (white preferably) a pair of thick wool socks, and a hot bath or shower.
Before going to bed, rinse the cotton socks in cold water and wring them out. Take a
hot bath and after the bath, put on the cotton socks, then the wool socks, then hop into
bed. Within minutes the cool socks will warm. Within hours, the socks will be dry and
your nose clearer.
Don’t fear your fever. When you get a fever, it means that your body is doing what it is
supposed to do, elevating your temperature to kill off the invading pathogens. Consult
your preventive specialists to find out what is appropriate for you, when a fever
acceptable, and when it’s not.
Secret formula #3: Stay home! Picture this: you drag yourself out of bed, courageously
struggling into work when you don’t feel up to it. You make it into work. Laudable
effort. You pass your cold to a co-worker; their child has asthma, gets the cold, and
winds up in the ER overnight. If you’re lucky enough to have health insurance, you just
jacked up next year’s premium. Keep your feverish, coughing self at home,you’re sick;
give yourself a rest. The rest of us will thank you for your sensitivity and consideration,
and will do the same for you when your turn comes around.