More Stuff about Colds

Here are the answers to six commonly asked questions about colds and the flu.

1. Why do colds and the flu increase in the winter?
   The reason has nothing to do with the temperature, at least not directly. Cold weather itself does not cause these illnesses, but people are more likely to stay indoors and spread germs to one another when it’s cold outside.
2. When should I stay home from work or keep my child home from school?
   It is important to stay home when you are most contagious. For colds, you are contagious the entire time you have symptoms, but you are most contagious right after you contract the cold, before you even have symptoms. For the flu, adults are most infectious from the day before symptoms start until about the fifth day of symptoms.
3. When should I see my doctor?
   If you experience complications such as high fever, shaking chills, chest pain with each breath, coughing that produces thick, yellow-green mucus, or if your symptoms do not go away as quickly as you would expect them to, see your doctor.
4. How can I avoid passing my cold or flu on to my family?
   There are many steps you can take to try to avoid spreading germs to the people around you. Always cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Throw used tissues away immediately. Wash your hands often, especially after you sneeze, cough, or touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Keep your distance from others — don’t kiss, hug, or stand so close to someone that saliva might get on them when you talk. Make sure someone is disinfecting household surfaces and items frequently, including children’s toys.
5. Is there any truth to the old saying, “Feed a cold; starve a fever”?
   No. When you have a cold or the flu, you should be sure to eat healthful foods and drink plenty of fluids, but there is no need to eat more or less than usual.
6. Is it okay to get a flu shot when I have a cold?
   Yes, you can get vaccinated when you have a cold as long as you are not feeling very sick and do not have a fever.

5 Ways To Get Rid Of A Cold Fast!

If you're already sick (like I am -- and I never get sick), these remedies will have you on the mend in no time.

TAKE ZINC. In a study at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, people who used an over-the-counter (OTC) zinc nasal spray four times a day recovered almost two days faster and had fewer symptoms than those given a placebo. Another study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that volunteers treated with zinc lozenges had colds that lasted about half the time as those who didn't pop zinc -- four and a half days instead of eight.

EAT CHICKEN SOUP. Mom was right: A Nebraska Medical Center Study shows that the broth reduces inflammation and inhibits the activity of neutrophils, the white blood cells that may increase mucus production.

TRY GINSENG. People who took 200mg of ginseng twice daily during cold and flu season had shorter colds than those who just popped a placebo, according to a study performed at the University of Alberta, Canada.

STAY IN BED. If your body is exhausted, it will be that much harder for it to fight the virus. If you must go to work, at least get a good night's rest: People who sleep four hours a night have weaker immune systems than those who get a seven and a half to eight and a half hours, according to a University of Chicago study.

TREAT YOUR SYMPTOMS. To power through the day, look for a product that contains the nasal decongestant phenylephrine. It's a stimulant, so it won't leave you feeling groggy. It can temporarily drive up blood pressure, though, so if you've got hypertension, talk to your doctor before using it. Choose a remedy that has an antihistamine, as well as acetaminophen. The antihitamine will make you drowsy, and the acetaminophen will relieve the fever and achiness that may keep you up. If coughing is disturbing your sleep, an OTC with dextromethorphan will help.

Article originally appeared on Fitness, food, gadgetry, life, travel and trends (http://www.lift-magazine.com/).