Flu

Many people commonly and incorrectly confuse influenza (the flu ) with the common cold. Differentiating a cold from the flu by symptoms alone can sometimes be difficult or impossible, but in general, people with the flu get sick more suddenly, look much sicker, and feel much weaker than if the ailment were a common cold.

Higher fever , body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more often symptoms of the flu , whereas runny or stuffy nose are more often associated with common colds. Flu is an acute infection of the airway tract in the nose and throat that can sometimes spread down into the lungs. It is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory illness and can affect people of all ages. It occurs every year mainly in late fall and early winter and in a widespread fashion affecting many people of different ages at the same time. The peak season for the flu in the northern hemisphere is from November through March.

The virus is spread when you either inhale infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person cough s or sneezes) or when you come in direct contact with an infected person's secretions (for example, by kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks). Touching smooth surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and telephones, are other ways to transfer the virus to your hands, which may then contact the nose or mouth where the virus gets absorbed. A person with flu is contagious for up to 7 days after the onset of the illness, although the virus can be detected in the secretions up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms. Thus, an individual can transmit the virus one day before symptoms begin.

Symptoms usually come on suddenly. fever (usually high) Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes Generalized weakness Ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes Headache Dry cough Sore throat and watery discharge from the nose. Consult a doctor if the following situations occur: A cold. lasts for more than 10 days. Body temperature rises above 102°F (38.8°C) in spite of treatment with medicines. Shortness of breath develops. Symptoms last longer than 5-7 days without any relief.

Self-Care at Home
Rest in bed. Avoid physical exertion. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, and clear soups (chicken). Water should never be the sole or main liquid consumed because it does not contain adequate electrolytes (sodium and potassium, for example) that the body requires. A rehydrating solution can be made at home using salt, sugar, and plain or rice water. Adding some orange juice and mashed bananas enhances the taste and also provides a good source of potassium. Such a solution can be used by anyone, regardless of age. Use cough suppressants and expectorants to treat the cough. Steam inhalations may be useful in opening up a blocked nose and thus make breathing easier. To create steam, boil water on the stove, remove the pot from the stove, then sit with a towel over your head and inhale the steam. The water should be hot, not boiling under your face. Use caution if you have asthma. You may enhance the decongestant effect of the steam by adding a half teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil, or a few slices of ginger to the boiling water.

Another simple method is steaming up the bathroom by letting the shower run with hot water only. Inhaling the moisture in a steamy room can serve a similar purpose.

Aromatherapy Treatments:

The following can benefit the flu sufferer in a variety of ways. Firstly to use essential oils at the first signs of infection can help to prevent the infection from getting worse.

Run a hot bath with a few drops of any of the following essential oils:
Eucalyptus, Lavender, Ravensara, Tea Tree. After having a long soak then it´s important to go straight to bed and rest. Repeat the baths for the next three days. Increase the benefits of the bath by having steam inhalations using this cocktail of essential oils.

Put any of the following oils in an oil burner:
Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Clove, Rosemary and Tea Tree... and place the oil burner in a sick person´s room. Remember that antibiotics for use especially by the elderly or those at risk are very important but essential oils can be used to great effect to help alleviate the symptoms and benefit the sufferer.

Bergamot Essential Oil - Citrus Bergamia (10ml)

Bergamot is a valuable oil for tension and anxiety. It can help with conditions such as cystitis and urethritis as well as being great for skin conditions such as acne.

£4.25

Clove Bud Essential Oil - Syzgium Aromaticum (10ml)

Clove is an excellent antiseptic and as many bacteria have become resistant to modern antiseptics it is worth burning at home to help prevent epidemics or viral infections.

£3.25

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£1.37

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Officinalis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£2.40

Ravensara Essential Oil - Ravensara Aromatica (10ml)

Ravensara is known for its strong anti-viral properties which can help with viral ifnections. It is good for cold sores and shingles and can help people who are overtired and lethargic.

£6.50

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75

Tea Tree Essential Oil - Melaleuca Alternifolia (10ml)

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£2.75