Knowing Flu and Cold in Children

Flu and cold usually accompany each other when attacking a child's immune system. It is a wide spread viral infection and the harsh truth is that there is no permanent treatment designed for it because of the involvement of many types of viruses which cannot be killed, but yes their growth rate can be suppressed. Symptomatic treatments can trigger the rate of improvement in the child's health, but it might not work for all kids.

The flu and cold virus can affect the child when he is exposed to an infected person. The symptoms are mild headache, feeling of tiredness, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, light fever, sneezing, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat. It takes two to five days for the symptoms to appear and three to five days for the complete development of the virus. It takes nearly two weeks to completely get rid of the flu. The virus attacks the upper respiratory system. These are the symptoms of cold. The symptoms of flu are more terrible than cold and grow very rapidly. They are high fever, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, fatigue and nausea, vomiting, eye pain and extreme headache. Symptoms are extremely important when trying to differentiate between flu and a cold. As stated before, the symptoms of flu are more severe when compared to the symptoms of cold. Also, it is easier to get over cold than flu. The biggest clue will be recalling any incident of exposure to patients having either flu or cold. Even after thorough analysis, if it is difficult to reach any clear conclusion, a doctor should be consulted. A swab is taken from the nasal track or throat and the results are determined an hour after the test is taken.

No antibiotics work on these viruses. Intake of antibiotics cannot better the condition in any way whatsoever. Also, there are chances of secondary bacterial infections like sinus or ear infection. The child should be administered with fluids and a cool mist humidifier to suppress the symptoms and to help him feel better. Medications are available over the counter, which can be bought depending on the symptoms of the infected. Antiviral medicines are available for the treatment of flu, which hasten the recovery process. But the medicines are effective only when given within forty-eight hours after the onset of flu symptoms. Runny nose, especially of infants and kids who cannot blow their nose, can be taken care of with the help of a bulb syringe or nasal drop. If flu isn't treated at the right time, it can worsen the health of the infected and can also lead to pneumonia.

Flu is a very commonly spreading infection among school going kids. According to a research, nearly twenty percent of Americans are infected with flu every year and nearly twenty thousand people die because of it. The only way to prevent the child from contracting these viruses is by getting him/her a flu shot before the flu season or as recommended by the physician. The vaccine is either administered through a shot or nasal spray. Regular dosage will strengthen the immune system by constructing antibodies. The nasal spray vaccine contains live weakened viruses and shots contain completely dead viruses. By any chance, if the child does get exposed to the virus, he/she should be given medicine meant for flu patients, immediately. More than hundred viruses are known which cause cold. A lesser number of viruses are known to causes flu. That is the reason why there is a shot for flu and not cold.

But flu shot cannot be taken by anyone or everyone. People who complain of allergic reactions from previous flu shots, people who have the Guillain-Barre syndrome and people allergic to eggs are not eligible for flu shots. It is highly recommended to take advice from a physician before getting vaccinated. Children and elderly should be given nasal spray vaccination, but instead they should opt for flu shots. Out of total population, there are certain people who have a greater probability of getting flu. Children up to five years of age, elders older than sixty five years, nursing home residents, pregnant women, patients with long term problems regarding health, and health care workers who come directly in contact with flu patients.

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Fight Cancer And More With These 4 Flavonol Benefits

The flavonols are a group of health boosting phytonutrients that can be found in fruits, vegetables and tea. They have been linked with cancer prevention, reduced inflammation and more. In this article I will be taking a detailed look at these plant based nutrients and outlining 4 key flavonol benefits.

1) BOOSTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH:

Mental health is often neglected when it comes to health and fitness. People often focus on how healthy eating will affect the way they look but they never consider the effect that certain foods can have on their mental health. Eating the flavonols can give your brain a serious boost by preventing depression and possibly treating mental disorders.

2) PREVENTING CANCER:

Cancer is a potentially fatal disease which leads to your cells growing in a rapid, out of control way. This growth ultimately forms into a tumour which can become cancerous. If the tumour does become cancerous it damages the surrounding cells and moves to other areas of the body. The good news is that 1 of the brilliant flavonol benefits is cancer prevention. Studies have shown that these powerful nutrients are all highly protective against cancer and can reduce your chances of contracting this disease.

3) REDUCING INFLAMMATION:

Inflammation is a controlled process where your body responds to infection, injury, irritation or stress. It causes the affected areas to become hot, painful, red and swollen as your body fixes the problem. Whilst it is unpleasant, in most cases inflammation is a good sign as it shows your body has responded and is dealing with any potential damage. However, sometimes an external factor causes unnecessary inflammation which is dangerous and can also damage your body's cells. Fortunately, the flavonols can help you avoid this by acting as anti-inflammatories (substances that reduce unnecessary inflammation in the body).

4) STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:

The immune system is 1 of the most important protective structures in your body. It fights disease, foreign bodies and infections. Another of the amazing flavonol benefits is that they can strengthen this impressive system and improve your ability to fight disease and infection which can help you stay healthy and disease free all year round.

SUMMARY:

The flavonols are a brilliant example of the power of plant based foods. Not only are fruits, nuts and vegetables rich in essential vitamins and minerals but they are also a brilliant source of non-essential, health boosting nutrients such as flavonols. Apples, almonds, berries, peppers, spinach and tea are all excellent sources of these plant based foods. So take a look at the list and make sure your diet is rich in these health boosting foods.

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