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What is a Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the lining of the nose, sinuses, throat and large airways. There are over 200 different strains of the cold virus, each with their own set of symptoms. These viruses rapidly reproduce and are constantly mutating which is why there is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria, not viruses so treating a cold with antibiotics only makes any low levels of bacteria you’re carrying more resistant to antibiotics when you do need them.

Once you’ve been infected by a cold virus, you’re immune to that particular one, but there are many more where that came from. Children, who are still building their immunity, typically get 10 to 20 colds a year during their first two years of exposure to other people.

For some, a cold means a few days of a runny nose and sneezes, but for others, they experience one to two weeks of discomfort-painful sore throat, throbbing head, congestion and lingering cough. In some cases it may even progress to a sinus infection.

Influenza or the flu is also a viral infection that causes a fever, runny nose, cough, headache, bodily aches and pains and inflammation of the lining to the nose and airways. The virus is spread by inhaling infected droplets passed on by an infected person. More on Colds and Flu Click Here

The Best Combination

The best treatment for Colds & Flu has been the best of both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. We strongly recommend that you do not abandon conventional medicine in favor of an unproven complementary or alternative health practice.

CAM Therapies That May Be Helpful for Colds & Flu

Conventional treatment for colds and the flu are symptomatic relief consisting of over the counter medication to control their aches and pains and antihistamines and decongestants to manage the congestion. In considering complementary and alternative treatments, you may want to explore our resources on Acupressure Acupuncture Aromatherapy Ayurveda Chiropractics Exercise Guided Imagery Healing Touch Herbal Therapy Homeopathy Humor Therapy Hypnotherapy Journal Therapy Magnet Therapy Massage Therapy Meditation Music Therapy NAET Naturopathy Nutrition Qi Gong Reflexology Reiki Relaxation Therapy Shiatsu Spiritual Support Support Groups Tai Chi Therapeutic Touch Traditional Chinese Medicine Vitamins/Supplements Yoga

Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for information purposes only and one should discuss treatment options with their physician.

Important: Whatever CAM treatment you opt for, it is important that you share the information with your physician. It is important that we begin to start talking about the many therapies available and begin to determine which practices are the most helpful.

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