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The Differences Between a Common Cold, Flu and Allergies

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There are many subsets and variables of viral infections that play havoc with our system. The virus strains have an ability to adapt and evolve, which means that a vaccine cannot be made for the common cold.

A flu vaccine is produced using the influenza virus that causes the flu. Flu strains are predicted every year because the virus adapts and evolves into different strains and needs to be reformulated for the yearly vaccine. Getting a vaccine is not a guaranteed treatment prevention program. The vaccine is incubated in eggs, so avoid if an egg allergy is present.

Antibiotics only treat bacteria infections, not viruses or viral infections. Overuse abuse of antibiotics is leading to the production of “super-flu” strains, which is a major threat. Proper identification of whether you have a virus or bacterial infection is important for correct treatment.

Germs are spread by coughing, sneezing or hand to hand contact in close proximity and can live on surfaces for long periods of time waiting to be picked up. Frequent hand washing can cut risk along with breaking habits like touching your face a lot and biting your nails.
Read blog on DIY natural cleaning products that will kill 100% of germs – http://earthelixir.ca/2012/01/05/diy-natural-cleaning-products/

Invading forces trigger symptoms, which is the way our immune system fights off the germs. Mucus production traps infection, coughing and sneezing tries to expel them, and fever triggers healing mechanisms. Immunity plays a big role in our susceptibility and determines how well we fight off these foreign invaders. Everyone’s immune system is different and varies as much as the virus. Some people have autoimmune disorders and are more prone to getting sick, and others are just surrounded by lots of at risk groups like children. Children will typically get up to 9 colds a year and adults get 1-3; any more than this is a sign that your immune system needs extra help.

Strengthening the immune system requires all around proper nutrition, good quality sleep, sufficient exercise and successful stress management strategies.
Allergies will erode immunity and lead to autoimmune disorders, a myriad of other illnesses and possibly death, so it is important to eliminate allergens. The hard part is finding out what you are allergic to and then trying to stay away from it.

Both the cold and flu virus are more prominent in the winter time, or when people spend more time indoors with each other and is typically not a “season.” It was first thought that allergies were caused by nature, but it didn’t explain why people suffer from allergies in the winter time. Allergy season is typically spring and fall, but depends on specific allergens. Anyone can be allergic to anything, but it is all a sign the immune system and the body needs a boost. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Take time out to take extra care of yourself.

If a cold lasts longer than a week to ten days it is probably a bacterial infection like strep. If it lasts longer than a month it is more likely allergies.

SYMPTOMS

Common Cold
Caused by corona virus, adenovirus and subset variants

Upper respiratory
Runny nose, congestion, sore throat
Sometimes low grade fever
If a cold lasts longer than a week to ten days it is probably a bacteria infection like strep

Flu
Caused by influenza virus and subsets

More body aches, joint pain
Digestive disturbances especially in children diarrhea, vomiting
More lower respiratory ailments
Lung infections
Coughing, breathing problems, hacking
May lead to pneumonia and possibly death
Lasts longer

Allergies
If symptoms last any longer than a month then it is more likely allergies
Allergies present more itchy throat and eyes, sinus issues, congested or runny nose,
sometimes coughing

Essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and other tree oils have typically been used to treat colds and kill germs that are even airborne. Herbs and essential oils work on so many levels that germs can’t easily adapt, and are still the best treatment and prevention.

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Article about how overuse and abuse of antibiotics is leading to superbugs

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/bacteria-getting-upper-hand-in-antibiotics-arms-race-1.2555750



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