Boost your Immunity – Coughs, Colds and Flu

In the United Kingdom, the common cold and flu are prevalent respiratory illnesses, especially during the winter months. Millions of people are affected by colds and flu each year, leading to significant healthcare burdens, workplace sickness, and economic costs.

The common cold, caused by various viruses such as rhinovirus, typically presents with symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Influenza, more commonly known as flu, can be a more severe respiratory illness. It is caused by influenza viruses and can result in fever, muscle aches, fatigue and a dry cough. These illnesses are referred to as upper respiratory tract infections.

Although an adult will on average experience 2-3 colds per year, certain risk factors such as age, smoking and having a lower immune system can make you more susceptible and affect the severity of the illness. Furthermore, people who have respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more at risk of having an exacerbation when they have a cold as well as their symptoms being more severe.

While the common cold and flu can have mild symptoms for some individuals, there are preventative methods that can be used to minimise your risk of catching these infections. Physical interventions such as following good hand washing techniques has been found to be associated with lower risks of respiratory tract infections as it stops germs from spreading.

Maintaining a healthy balanced diet enriched with vitamins and nutrients can also help boost your immune system, as many micronutrients have a key role in helping the body fight against infection on a cellular level. Vitamin C works by aiding white blood cells to move and fight infection while reducing inflammation, while Vitamin D can be found in immune cells, strengthening the body’s defences and inducing antimicrobial protein production. Zinc is another mineral that has a vital role in immunity, with increasing research showing that it works particularly well in fighting against upper respiratory tract infections as it can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

Treatment options involve symptom relief, as antibiotics will not work on viruses. These range from simple measures such as having a hot drink to herbal medicinal plants to antihistamines and nasal decongestants.

Certain herbal plants have been shown to have powerful properties that can alleviate symptoms. Echinacea and Eucalyptus have been found to be safe options that can help alleviate a cough and runny nose. Menthol is another popular herb that can be used as a remedy for the common cold. Studies have shown that is has powerful antiviral and inflammatory activities as well as improving symptoms.

Although there are many different methods that can help manage the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, one of the most effective ways for prevention is through vaccination. The yearly flu vaccine works against the most recent strains of influenza viruses and allows the body to develop immunity against it. This also acts as protection through herd immunity to other, more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly or children, who may experience more severe symptoms of flu.

If you are struggling to manage the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections or would like more information on the flu vaccine, you should speak to your local pharmacist or doctor.

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