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THE FLU: HOW TO STAY HEALTHY By Linda Castillo One of the most unpleasant things is to wake up and realize you have a cold or the flu. A Cold is usually a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, however, is usually more severe, with higher fevers and some aches and pains. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. It usually appears in the fall and winter. The flu can be transmitted to others when the person having it coughs or sneezes. The symptoms are a fever, chills, a cough, muscle and joint pains, a headache, weakness, and sometimes a stuffy nose and sore throat. It is a very annoying feeling. You know you are not very sick, but you just do not feel well. How can you get rid of these uncomfortable feelings when they suddenly strike you? There are some over-the-counter medicines that may temporarily relieve flu symptoms. Rest is important and staying home helps not to transmit to other people. However, if you feel seriously ill, do not hesitate to call your doctor. He will be able to tell whether your condition requires treatment. If you are over 50 years old, try to get a flu shot around November before the flu season starts. There is a great risk in that the flu sometimes develops other serious infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis or ear infection. When the coldest months are here, it is hard to stay healthy because there are such dramatic changes in temperatures outside and inside work and home. Washing your hands is an excellent way to avoid the virus from entering your body. If you are stricken by the flu, there are few things you can do. Drink plenty fluids. If you are coughing, get some cough syrup. If your throat hurts, gargle with warm salt water. Unfortunately, people think that only antibiotics can cure the flu. Antibiotics are supposed to kill bacteria, they are not effective against viral infections. Taking too many antibiotics make bacteria more resistant to them. Do not forget that antibiotics can also kill the good bacteria in your body. If you want to be free from colds, try some home remedies: Supply your body with Vitamin C or drink lemon tea every day, and add a teaspoon of honey. You will be free from colds for quite some time. Try not to depend on doctors all the time. Help yourself, and stay healthy.
Multiple Protections from Multivitamins A new study has discovered that a multivitamins daily has "a relatively inexpensive yet potentially powerful way to improve one's health." A multivitamin every day could help people 65-plus get the nutrients they may not get from food. It could also avoid the need for drugs and hospital care. The multivitamin should include the recommended daily amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, B6, B12, D, E and K, plus other minerals.
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