Fight the Cough, Running Nose and Cold Naturally | Useful tips

As autumn is about to leave and winter is coming, the period of viruses starts, alerting us to be extremely careful, especially in the current difficult times. Cold and cough are the first signs for a non-well protected organism.

This article reviews the most simple and effective (tried and tested) tips for fighting the symptoms of colds and winter viruses.

Below a list of the topics discussed:

• Virus – Cold – Flu: What Are They and Their Differences
• What are the High Risk Groups?
• What are the symptoms to make us worry most
• Why Hydration is important
• What should I do if I also have a Fever
• Which Fruits Help Fight Viruses and Colds
• Which Other Foods Will Fight Cough
• What foods to avoid

Let’s see the answers on the above topics

Virus – Cold – Flu: What are they and their differences

If you have started to feel tired and have some first symptoms (such as running nose or cough) it is reasonable to worry.

Is it a virus, flu or a common cold?

Can I distinguish what I have from the symptoms?

The truth is, since many of the symptoms in all three cases are common – it is not always easy to find out if it’s cold or a virus that created the problem.

However, following questions we asked an infectious disease specialist, he gave us some very useful information that can help us understand what makes us sick.

Fever, per example, is an indicative symptom, as the common cold is very rarely accompanied by fever (perhaps only by tenths).

Fever, on the other hand, is a characteristic symptom of viruses. In fact – in most cases – has a specific duration reaching 3 to 4 days of high fever (over 38 degrees), as this is the period needed by virus to complete its life cycle.

Colds, running nose and cough are not as obvious symptoms as they can be symptoms of the flu, colds and viruses.

However, the cough – especially when very deep, wild, intense and persistent – is a sign of a virus or flu and not just a cold.

Headache, on the other hand, will rarely appear in colds, while in viruses is frequent and even quite acute (often accompanying the fever).

Body pain and the feeling of fatigue can also be a symptom of all 3 conditions and is not a clear guide to which diseases are present.

Attention. Continuous and persistent high fever is always a symptom leading you to the doctor.

High Risk Groups

Some population groups are clearly more vulnerable to contracting either a common cold or a virus or flu.

These people usually boost their immunity with the required vaccination, recommended to protect them from closed areas with large crowds.

Here they are:

• children (mainly young)
• elderly
• pregnant women
• patients with lung diseases
• patients with heart disease
• patients with neurological problems
• patients suffering from autoimmune diseases
• cancer patients
• people with liver disease
• people with kidney failure
• people being treated for psychotropic substances
• people receiving treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunosuppression)
• people taking high doses of corticosteroids
• people living with HIV
• patients with diabetes
• obese people
• people who have had a transplant (in the last 5 years at least)
• people suffering from any neoplastic disease
• patients with anemia

Symptoms which should worry you

Colds can rarely turn quite serious, showing extreme symptoms.

Unlike viruses can be very dangerous … especially for the categories of people mentioned earlier (and not only).

Each virus shows different symptoms however, there are some common symptoms should definitely alarm you that it is not just a cold, as these below:

• very high and persistent fever
• the intense & acute cough
• convulsions
• cut-off from environmental stimuli
• neck stiffness
• skin rashes
• wheezing
• vomiting
• tachypnea
• tachycardia
• shortness of breath
• physical exhaustion
• gastrointestinal disorders
• insomnia or drowsiness
• lethargy
• running nose
• severe headaches
• intense myalgias
• arthralgias
• loss of appetite
• photophobia
• severe abdominal pain
• problems urinating
• swelling of a physical limb
• diarrhea with bleeding
• jaundice
• alteration of voice
• swelling of lymph nodes

Why Hydration is important

Water is essential for organism and its proper functioning in general, especially when you are sick water is your best ally to fight the virus.

In addition to water, you can include in your diet natural fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, also broths and soups.

It’s not just their many nutrients and vitamins to help you fight viruses and boost your immune system. It is also the fact that fluids will keep your cough-soaked throat moist and will soothe its intensity.

They will also help fight the symptoms of nasal congestion and running nose.

What should I do if I also run a fever?

Stay in a warm and protected environment, rest and try not to sweat. At this stage, it is important for your organism to focus all its efforts on fighting the virus.

So no heavy work, no exercise, no hard physical activity.

Drink plenty of water but also many hot drinks and infusions.

Take an antipyretic painkiller or an anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) medicine that will help lower your body temperature.

If your temperature remains too high, take a cold shower to lower your body temperature.

You can also put an ice pack on your head, arms and legs to keep the fever down and prevent it from rising further.

Fruits help on fighting Viruses and Colds

Fruits to include in your diet for fighting viruses and colds:

• orange
• pineapple
• dates
• lemon
• grapefruit

Other Foods Fighting Cough

• celery
• cauliflower
• parsley
• licorice
• chocolate
• cocoa
• honey
• flaxseed
• garlic
• ginger
• turmeric (yellow root)
• the colored peppers
• carrots
• sweet potatoes
• pumpkin
• fish
• probiotics
• shellfish
• seafood
• green tea
• kefir

Foods you should avoid

• sugar and sweets
• dairy products
• standard foods
• processed foods