The weather here is starting to turn and there’s a distinct feel of Autumn in the air – which means colds and flu are just around the corner and it’s time to reach for…
Well, we all know (or think we know) that Vitamin C is what we need to take, but is it? And is it the only supplement?
Before we get into supplements, though, we need to know what a cold or the flu actually is.
Both colds and flu are caused by viruses that attach themselves to the lining of your nose or throat and then multiply and spread all through your upper respiratory system and even into your lungs.
Your body responds and fights the virus by producing extra white blood cells and flooding the area with them. And this is what produces the symptoms that you suffer from – not the virus itself.
With a classic cold, you suffer with congestion, sore throat and sneezing symptoms. These symptoms develop gradually and can last for up to a week.
The flu, on the other hand, strikes quickly and can last for up to 10 days. However, as well as the symptoms you get with a cold, flu can also cause you to have a fever, muscle ache, headaches and extreme tiredness. These symptoms can last for another 2 to 3 weeks!
With both colds and flu, you need to have a two-pronged approach – prevention and cure, and I’ll write more about the supplements that can help with both in my next few posts.