What to Do When the Flu and Colds New Emerging

Flu and colds (cold) are two diseases that have different consequences, but the symptoms caused almost similar. Although the risk of flu more severe than a cold, but both can be prevented severity ranging from early symptoms.

Compared to colds, flu can cause serious complications such as inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) to death. So it's the flu should be treated within 48 hours after symptom onset is the best step.

Colds and flu symtoms can include itching and pain in the throat, head feels heavy and afternoon, stiff, and others. "The average adult to catching colds 3 times each year, each lasting an average of 9 days," said Jane Sadler, MD, a family practice physician at Baylor Hospital-Garland, Garland, Texas, as quoted from the Health, Sunday (30/10/2011).
Some ways to prevent colds and flu symptom severity among others:

A. So feel the early symptoms

1. Began to increase drinking water or juice
"Drink more water or juice can to avoid dehydration symptoms such as sore throat and stuffy nose," said William Schaffner, MD, professor and chair of the Preventive Medicine Section at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

2. Gargling with salt water
To relieve itching throat add a half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. "The salt can draw out the excess water in the throat tissues, reduce inflammation, and clear mucus and relieve irritation in the throat," said Philip Hagen, MD, chief medical editor at the Mayo Clinic.

3. Make sure the nose clean and not clogged
Using a nasal spray containing saline immediately after the first symptoms of a cold appear. Results showed that, it can prevent further progression of symptoms. In addition, should also shower with warm water.

B. In the first two hours

1. Buying drugs into the nearest store
Eating painkillers such as acetaminophen to fight the pain. "The drugs are sold freely allergies, such as Zyrtec and Benadryl, can help relieve symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes. Allergy medicines that contain decongestants, such as Claritin D or Alavert D, will help clear the sinuses," says Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, Jenkins / Pokempner director of preventive and alternative medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

2. Not having to consume the-counter medicines can also honey
Honey can be useful to relieve symptoms of colds, says Harley Rotbart, MD, professor and vice chairman of pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

This may be done by consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons honey directly or by way mixed into the tea. So it does not have to consume drugs are sold freely.

C. Over the next six hours

1. Rest more
"The body can fight the virus better if the body has rested enough," said Janet O'Mahony, MD, a physician in internal medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. To keep from sharing germs, so wash your hands regularly or use alcohol-based disinfectant gel.

2. Continue to balance the fluid intake
Continue to drink plenty of water, juice, tea, or can by eating chicken soup for lunch.

3. Doing light physical exercise
"Light physical exercise can boost the immune system," said Dr.. Sadler.

D. A day later

A healthy diet can help boost the immune system, so choose the dinner menu with meals that include protein such as lean meat, fish, or beans, wheat, brown rice, and lots of vegetables rich in antioxidants. Bathing with warm water before bed. Then a good-quality sleep and enough time.

E. The next day

If you still feel no improvement or actually worsened the condition of the body with symptoms such as fever, starts vomiting, or headaches are getting worse, then you should immediately see a doctor. Because it may indicate that you need antiviral medicines, antibiotics or other treatment.