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Sniff, Cough, Achoo! It's The Flu

© T. Darlene Cheek

Oh, yes! You know it's coming just because it's that time of year. Influenza. How can you prevent it, and what can you do if you've already got it? Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Oh, you knew that already? But did you know...

What exactly is the flu? The flu is described as a viral disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is one of the most miserable things we experience each year. First you notice you're a little tired and achy. Maybe you have a sore throat or a low grade fever, and then your temperature begins to rise and you develop a runny nose and start sneezing. You may have a headache accompanied by stiff, painful joints. You probably have muscle aches in muscles you didn't even know you had! You lose your appetite, feel nauseous and probably can't sleep. You may become weak and breathless and develop a dry, unproductive cough.

How did you get the flu? You may have touched a doorknob after someone else who had the virus. Someone may have coughed or sneezed near you. It doesn't take much to spread the flu because it is highly contagious, AND it mutates. It what? Yes, the flu virus is constantly mutating, changing forms, so that our body can't build up a resistance to it. So, no, the flu is not just a different kind of cold!

Flu infects millions of people every year, and it can cause death. If the victim is over 50 years old, a child, or if they have an immune-deficiency disorder, the flu can lead to pneumonia and a number of secondary infections. For people over 65, flu and pneumonia are the fifth leading cause of death. People who receive the flu shot each year can cut down the incidences of flu cases, and the shot is 70-90 percent effective for about six months. This can be especially helpful for older people, pregnant women, and patients who already have cardiac or respiratory problems.

NATURAL TREATMENT

General Treatment

Crush ginger root, add honey and lime, and drink as required.

Take a combination of bitter orange, sunflower, and coriander.

Massage tea tree and geranium oil into the chest to ease symptoms.

Arsenicum (homeopathic remedy) will help general symptoms.

Royal Jelly is a good general tonic and antiviral.

Take in plenty of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and zinc. These encourage healing and boost your immune system.

Fever

A mustard oil compress can be applied to the forehead to reduce fever.

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