Recently, I struggled with a cold virus that led to a persistent cough that lasted almost two weeks. During my suffering, I received many different opinions and advice from friends and colleagues on how to deal with my illness. Skeptical, but curious from some logic, I went straight to one great source for all wisdom: Google. I mean, if I cannot get the final answer here about whether the chains of garlic on my neck will chase away a cold, then, of course, there is no one. I thought about asking medical specialists, but they are too reasonable in the methods of modern science and may be too close to the consideration of convicted and real means of protection of grandmother-Clara. Unsurprisingly, my questions about cold drugs led to many of the same sentences that I had previously heard. What surprised me, however, was the misconception that the general public has viruses that I will use with you. Although there are many such worthy discussions, in particular, there are three that I most often hear.
1. Antibiotics will clarify the situation No, in fact they will not. Antibiotics are often used for bacterial infections, such as certain types of pneumonia, streptococcus sinus and throat infections, but are useless against viruses, such as the effect of the common cold. Medical research also suggests that antibiotics exceed the prescribed and become less effective because overuse contributes to the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Even the CDC campaign against their use for more common diseases. However, the lack of public education related to antibiotics has increased the demand for their use among the local population. Ask any pediatrician wherever they struggle with parental antibiotic claims, and they will have many stories.
2 Medicines can cure a virus No, in fact they can not. The best medicine you can do for a virus is to alleviate the symptoms and reduce discomfort, allowing your body's natural defenses to fight the virus before it leaves. This applies to prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, comprehensive treatments, home remedies and even voodoo. The viral disease must go through a course, so although night medicine helped you sleep, and two days later you returned 100%, it was your body's defense system, not the medicine that led to recovery.
3 Taking vitamin C will help fight the cold Not really. According to research, it was an idea that became popular in the 1970s, but in fact there is little evidence that obtaining higher levels or supplements of vitamin C before or during a cold has any additional benefit. Without much deficiency in our bodies, there is enough vitamin C to help protect against diseases. Excessive amounts are derived from our organs. Vitamin C is also abundantly found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, so most diets that include these products will ensure proper levels without additional supplements.
What helps to fight colds and flu? Our bodies are very effective in the fight against foreign invasions. Our systems contain an army of antioxidants, antibodies, white blood cells and other chemicals that attack viruses. These battles are not always quick, but can take several days longer than a week. In addition to remedies and medicines that can improve the way we work during our illness, there are other methods to improve the chances of a faster recovery.
1. Stay hydrated Our systems consume extra energy in controlling the disease and require higher levels of hydration to compensate. This does not mean that we should drink excessively (frequent urination does not mean that we remove the virus faster), but enough to maintain a clean urine flow. Alcohol and excessive amounts of coffee will have the opposite effect; therefore, although they may feel good during cold and cough, they will also help to dehydrate our system, in turn making it difficult for our organs to fight.
2 Plenty of time to relax An increase in sleep and rest should make you more comfortable during the duration of your illness. It will also help speed time during your discomfort. The most important thing, however, is that your body’s defense system can focus on dealing with your illness more effectively when there is less stress. Exercising and moving during this period will consume more energy that you could otherwise use to help you recover.
3 Eat hot chicken soup Although the evidence cannot be overwhelming, enough research has been done to suggest that chicken soup can help the cold in several ways. Without overly processed chicken broth soup, it contains an anti-inflammatory agent that can help the mucosa in fighting the virus. In addition, although it may be applied to other soups and drinks, the steam from the soup can help open the nasal passages and relieve nasal congestion. Finally, as a convenient meal, chicken soup can help relax the system, replacing lost hydration and essential nutrients during illness.
Just remember that there is no cure for cold and flu, only ways to comfort yourself until it starts its way. However, with plenty of rest and hydration, we can shorten the duration. It is also important to note that the comfort of one person can be very different from another, which leads to different methods, drugs and food that we can give for our final recovery. Therefore, before giving up the idea of sleeping with a chicken claw under a pillow to clear your sinuses, why not try?
