Colds and seasonal flu are two respiratory diseases that appear at specific periods of the year, depending on the climate. Although they may have some similar symptoms, they develop from different viruses and need different ways of prevention and treatment.
Given the wide range of alternatives that are over-the-counter and the availability of homeopathy treatment, it is crucial to understand the chemical composition of different medications to treat these illnesses more effectively.
In this blog, we will talk about the different combinations you need to fight seasonal flu and colds effectively.
Difference between Flu and Cold
Knowing the difference between the flu and the common cold is crucial before exploring the specific drug composition. The influenza virus causes flu, which has common symptoms as fever, sneeze, throat pain, pain in the body, and fatigue.
In extreme cases, people may catch complications as well, which include pneumonia. On a different note, the common cold is caused by many kinds of viruses and is identified by signs and symptoms, like runny nose, nose congestion, sneezing, throat pain, and mild tiredness.
While symptoms of cold are usually milder and appear gradually, symptoms of flu can sometimes worsen and have an emergency.
Medicinal Compositions You Need to Ease the Symptoms
Among the common treatment of cold and flu is homeopathy. Boiron, a well-known Canadian homeopathic drug manufacturer offers a number of medicines that are used to treat symptoms of the flu and cold.
Here are some compositions in both options that will help you:
Analgesic
Among accessible drugs for countering high body temperatures and controlling painful situations is Acetaminophen, which is frequent within several flu/cold remedies formulations. However, taking the correct dosages is important since overdose cases result in liver impairment.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug variants, such as Ibuprofen, sold under various brand names alongside naproxen, may similarly lower inflammation and fevers. However, using these medications with the proper dose and consultation with your physician is necessary.
Decongestants
Those suffering from nasal congestion will find pseudoephedrine a helpful solution. This composition works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. It also reduces swelling and clears up congestion for easier breathing.
The drug is regulated and may require a prescription from a doctor in some countries due to its potential misuse. To overcome cold and flu distress, phenylephrine can help as it removes mild congestion and has fewer side effects than other over-the-counter medicines.
Expectorants
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the breathing passages, making it easy to blow your nose up. Guaifenesin reduces chest congestion through effective coughing. The medication is primarily available in tablet and syrup forms.
Antihistamines
People who suffer from allergies are often frustrated with persistent and recurring symptoms, like runny nose, sneezing and itching. To relieve these unpleasant feelings swiftly, diphenhydramine serves as a common antihistamine drug.
What adds further value is its ability to induce drowsiness; it targets nighttime symptoms for better sleep quality during allergy season. Alternatively, Loratadine, cetirizine and fexofenadine provide non-drowsy solutions without compromising on the ability to fight off allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing related to the common cold.
Cough Suppressants
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a prevalent medication to temporarily relieve dry coughs. It works on the cough center in the brain to stop the cough reflex. DXM comes in many forms, such as syrup, lozenges, and pills. It is essential to take it exactly as instructed, as misuse or exceeding the prescribed dosage can result in side effects, such as tiredness or vertigo.
Boiron Coryzalia
Boiron Coryzalia is a homeopathic medicine specifically designed to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold. It comes in the form of oral pellets and is suitable for both adults and children.
The composition of Coryzalia includes Allium cepa, Belladonna, Gelsemium sempervirens, and Sabadilla. Coryzalia is a homeopathic remedy, which means its active ingredients are diluted and potentised to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
An important point to consider is that homeopathic remedies work on the principle of ‘similia similibus curantur’. This means similar medications should be used to treat all diseases and may have a distinct mode of action from traditional pharmaceuticals.
Boiron Oscillococcinum
If someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as body ache, fever, chills and fatigue, Boiron Oscillococcinum is an option for relieving the discomfort. This respected homoeopathic remedy has helped countless individuals find relief from these frustrating conditions.
It comes in the form of easy-to-administer pellets that dissolve quickly in the mouth. This method relies on the notion that similar ailments can be treated with small amounts of substances capable of producing similar reactions in healthy persons. The exact mode of action of Oscillococcinum is not fully understood, but it is widely used as a supportive treatment for flu symptoms.
Boiron Supplements
Boiron Canada offers a range of dietary supplements to support overall health and immune function, which can enhance overall nutrition during periods when immunity is compromised. Daily consumption of these supplements can prove to be beneficial against common cold and flu infections.
Some common ingredients in Boiron supplements are vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea, and probiotics. It is important to mention that although Boiron goods are common among people searching for homeopathic alternatives, the medical community still debates their effectiveness and safety.
Natural Remedies and Precautions
Many natural remedies and preventions, along with over-the-counter medicines, can help reduce flu and cold symptoms and speed up recovery.
Staying Hydrated
Combating the flu season often involves taking proactive measures to maintain our health throughout the year. It is important to prioritize hydration by intaking ample amount of fluid, herbal tea and even broths to ease symptoms of this ongoing concern.
Rest and Sleep
Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is equally important. It provides necessary energy for your body to fight off infections, ushering faster routes to recovery.
Steam Inhalation
There are several ways to reduce discomfort from nasal congestion. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a humidifier, known as steam inhalation, is something you should try to ease irritated airways. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water and taking its steam is also helpful in reducing nasal discomfort.
Nasal Rinse
Another helpful approach is using saline nasal rinses or sprays that flush out nose obstructions, providing immediate relief from discomfort. It is available in any medicine shops. However, a lot of these drugs need prescriptions.
Gargles
Warm salt water fargles can treat sore throats inflammation well. You can do it yourself by mixing half a teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargling 3-4 times a day to inflammation.
Ginger, Honey and Garlic
Dealing with a congested nose or sore throat can make people feel miserable. Fortunately, ginger’s natural antiviral anti-inflammatory properties, which relieves these issues.
Similarly, with regular consumption of garlic, which is widely known for improving the immune system, you can benefit from the compound composition responsible for both antiviral and antibacterial effects. These contribute to improved health overall.
Honey is antimicrobial and has soothing properties that can help alleviate cough and soothe sore throat. It can be added to meals or taken as they are after consulting with a healthcare professional.
How to Avoid Seasonal Flu and Cold?
Now that you know a lot about the various ways to fight flu and cold, let’s talk about preventing the diseases. Getting vaccinated is one of the most reliable means of avoiding the contraction of influenza. Vaccines triggers antibody development to counteract familiar strains of the virus.
Additionally, it is important to follow strict hygiene and cleanliness. To do this, you should wash your hands in soap and water frequently, avoid touch your face before hand wash, exercise for a healthy respiratory routine, and disinfect and clean surfaces, like doorknobs, light switches, keyboards and cellphones regularly.
Taking precautions is essential to maintain good health when influenza and cold cases are at their high. This involves using antiviral disinfectants regularly by
- practicing hygiene standards,
- staying updated on emerging recommendations for combating flu and common cold viruses,
- refraining from non-essential contact with infected individuals,
- having a balanced nutritious diet coupled with regular exercise,
- limiting outdoor activities in crowded spaces,
- consulting experts in case you experience complications, etc.
If you follow these, your chances of catching cold and flu will will reduce dramatically.
Conclusion
When caught with the seasonal flu or common cold, understanding the composition of medications is essential in finding effective relief. Medical advice should be followed with great care when it comes to medication usage.
Reading labels carefully, following dosage recommendations and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is strongly advised. Natural remedies and precautions can also complement the treatment process.
If you don’t see improvement in your health, you need to take quick actions. Seeking advice from a medical practitioner is crucial at this point.
