Cold or Flu
Despite the progress made in immunisation and drug development, there are still many viruses that cannot be vaccinated against or are without effective treatment. As alternate therapy, several natural products and herbal medicines have antiviral effects.1e
All 3 of the above herbs are utilised in FLUGON™ for their antiviral or immune boosting properties.1a-d,2a,3
- Elderberry exerts antiviral effects against the influenza A and B virus as well as other respiratory bacterial pathogens.1c
- Pelargonium has anti influenza A activity.1d
- Echinacea preparations are commonly used for their non-specific immune-enhancing effects – which means that the herb promotes overall immune system function.2c,d
The availability of these natural anti‑influenza agents for clinical use helps broaden the choice of therapy for preventing and treating the flu virus and it’s symptoms.1f
Is it a cold or is it flu?
The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Influenza (flu) is caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world.
Colds and flu share many similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.
In general, cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu and do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalisations. Flu can have very serious associated complications.
CAUSES AND TRANSMISSION
The flu and other respiratory viruses are easily spread especially in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the virus are dispersed into the air and can infect persons in close proximity who breathe these droplets in.
The virus can also be spread by contaminated hands.
To prevent transmission, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash your hands regularly.
WHO IS AT RISK
The flu is seasonal mainly occurring during winter. The time from infection to illness, known as the incubation period, is about 2 days, but ranges from one to four days.
All age groups can be affected but there are groups that are more at risk than others.
• Children under 5 years
• The elderly
• People with chronic medical conditions
• People with immune suppression
• Healthcare workers
Symptom onset is gradual with a common cold, with flu it can be more abrupt. The main differences are:
TREATMENT AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
People with uncomplicated seasonal influenza or common cold can be managed with herbal or medicinal products that treat the symptoms. People are advised, if symptomatic, to stay home in order to minimise the risk of infecting others in the community.
There are many different types of treatments available to manage cold and flu symptoms, usually available from pharmacies, supermarkets or health shops. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can advise you on the type of treatment that suits you best.
- Decongestants or saline nasal drops/spray relieve a blocked or stuffy nose
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatories treat a headache, fever or body ache. Examples include paracetamol and ibuprofen.
- Cough mixtures can help relieve a cough
- Salt gargles or lozenges can soothe a sore throat
- Immune boosters and vitamin D can help enhance immunity against infection.
- Natural or herbal medicines can be used for their antiviral effects, ability to fight inflammation and to support immune system. Examples include echinacea, elderberry extract and pelargonium sidoides.
HEALTHY PREVENTATIVE TIPS:
- Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands
- Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly
- Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
- Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth
Sponsored by: Flugon
Ask your pharmacist or wellness clinic for appropriate choices to treat your symptoms. Combination products are available to treat multiple symptoms.
Medical References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Cold versus Flu [December 30, 2019]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm Last Accessed March 2020.
- World Health Organisation. Influenza (Seasonal) [November 6, 2018]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal) Last Accessed March 2020.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Common cold. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351611 Last Accessed March 2020.
- Aranow C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. J Investig Med 2011;59(6):881–886.
- Lin L-T, Hsu W-C, Lin C-C. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2014;4:24-35.
- Enhancement of Innate and Adaptive Immune Functions by Multiple Echinacea Species. J Med Food 2007;10(3):423–434.
Insert:
References:
- Lin L-T, Hsu W-C and Lin C-C. Antiviral Natural Products and Herbal Medicines. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2014;4(1):24‑35.
- Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, et al. Enhancement of Innate and Adaptive Immune Functions by
Multiple Echinacea Species. J Med Food 2007;10(3):423–434.
- FLUGON™ Approved Package Insert, {Enter Date}.
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