Cleanliness best defense during cold/flu season
by KC Jones, feature editor

    The common flu is killing more people every year. Although there are many products and medicines that claim to relieve or cure colds and flu, the only thing that works for certain is the human body’s own capacity to heal itself and prevent illness with its immune system.

   The key to protecting yourself against sickness is giving your body what it needs to build up and strengthen the immune system.

   The flu, or influenza, is a viral disease of the respiratory tract including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. It is highly contagious, spreading easily though airborne droplets produced by coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are generally seen within one to three days after exposure.

   Each year, between 10,000 and 50,000 deaths are related to influenza nationwide, and the rate rises every year. In 1995, flu deaths accounted for 6.5 percent of all deaths worldwide.

   Colds are spread most commonly by contact with contaminated doorknobs, phones and hands. Colds symptoms are milder than flu, including sore throat, muscle aches, runny nose, decreased appetite and a mild fever of less than 100.

   Most colds are over within two or three days if you give your body the rest and fluids it needs.

   The flu season runs from November until April, peaking between December and March. Now is the time to prepare the body for attack.

   Scientific research has found many substances in nature boost the immune system. Looking at a brief list, one can find remedies from A to zinc.

   Vitamin A is actually one of the best immune builders participating in the body’s defenses against disease and resistance to infection. Vitamin A specifically benefits the tissues that line all the internal passages of the body open to the exterior such as the lungs and nasal passages.

   Aloe is especially helpful for stomach flu because of its healing properties to the intestines. It reduces inflammation and has shown anti-bacterial activity in the stomach.

   Vitamin C has been used successfully by many physicians to cure viral infections. Massive doses of C injected in the bloodstream release a tremendous amount of oxygen.

   This oxidation process strips away the protein coating of the virus, making it vulnerable to the disease-fighting white blood cells.

   Carotenoids, found in fruits and vegetables, have been proven to boost immunity to protective levels. One product tested by USDA researchers, Carotenoid Complex by GNLD, boosted immune cell defenses 37 percent.

   Garlic is a health secret used by Greeks, Indians, Chinese, Vikings and Romans. The Egyptians gave it to their slaves to increase productivity. Garlic, a natural anti-biotic, inhibits harmful microbes.

   Protein literally means “to be first,” and it is the most vital of health-building nutrients.

   We are made of protein, and that includes the cells that live in the blood and defend us from developing diseases.

   Protein is needed to help the body form vital disease-fighting antibodies that neutralize bacteria and viruses.

   A salt gargle using warm water helps heal and soothe a sore throat.
Zinc lozenges cut the length of colds in half according to a 1996 study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, that tested the product Cold-Eeze.

   The best defense is to avoid contaminating yourself with viruses. Wash hands often and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Keep your distance when infected people are present.

   Clean surfaces with disinfectants, and immediately throw away used facial tissue from coughs or sneezes.

   Many people also have reported benefits from their yearly flu vaccine immunization.