Palmwoods
District News

June 10,
1999

Page 9

Clem's Column

What causes colds and flu: For a large part of the population, colds and flu are minor and simple ailments. A virus infects the body, which goes into immune response mode to rid itself of the virus as soon as possible. Recent research suggests that 60 to 70% of colds and influenza are caused by one of the over 100 types of Rhinoviruses. These viruses are always mutating making them very difficult to immunise against. Fortunately, while it’s difficult to tell which flu strain is heading our way from year to year, improving your body’s general immune resistance will improve your chances of repelling every strain.

Prepare for the cold snap:

Seeing your way through cold and flu outbreaks is possible just by taking good care of yourself generally. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercising regularly and maintaining a positive outlook all encourage a healthy immune system. Limiting your intake of alcohol, fats and sugars further supports general good health.

Along with overall health and vitality, managing stress is vital to sidestepping colds and flu. If your lifestyle makes stress unavoidable, make a concerted effort to unwind on a regular basis through meditation , sport or whatever relaxes you.

A compromised immune system can allow dormant viruses to take hold. Building a strong and efficient immune system is simply your best defence against cold and flu viruses.

Your cold or flu will get better, but in the meantime here’s some tried and true techniques to make you more comfortable: Get in a warm bath with epsom salts and put a cool washer on your face; eat fruit and vegetables and fruit juice; put your feet up (don’t go to work); try an echinacea and vitamin C drink.

Source: Bullivants

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