Knowing the differences between a cold, flu, and allergies is not just helpful—it's essential for your health and well-being. Each condition has unique causes and symptoms, so recognizing them can lead to better management and faster recovery.
A cold is a virus. It is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. They seem to attack the body during colder seasons, although it is not the weather that causes them. Less humidity can be a factor. More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold and strike the body 18 to 24 hours after it enters. The most common viruses are the rhinoviruses. Symptoms include head congestion, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes. Children can develop a low-grade fever, but adults rarely do. The common cold can lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis, sinus infections, or ear infections. Most colds last 7-10 days.
Influenza is also a viral infection, but it is caused by different types of virus. There are two types of influenzas and their differences:
Type A and Type B:
Host Range: Influenza A can infect humans, birds, pigs, and other animals, while influenza B primarily infects humans.
Severity: Influenza A typically causes more severe illness and is responsible for most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Influenza B tends to be milder but can still cause significant illness, especially in children.
Subtypes: Influenza A is divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 H subtypes and 11 N subtypes. Influenza B does not have subtypes but can be divided into different lineages and strains.
Seasonality: Influenza A usually appears earlier in the flu season (late fall to early winter), while influenza B tends to show up later (late winter to early spring).
Pandemics: Influenza A has the potential to cause pandemics because it can undergo significant genetic changes, especially when it jumps from animals to humans. Influenza B does not cause pandemics.
Both types can cause epidemics and share similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. However, influenza A is more common and tends to be more contagious and severe.
The symptoms of influenza are body aches, cough, fatigue, headache, and developing a fever with hot and cold flashes. They can be nauseous and vomit or have diarrhea. The flu can last up to 12 days and take longer to recover with residual coughing and fatigue.
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a substance that is typically harmless to most people. This substance is known as an allergen, and typical examples include pollen, pet dander, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. When someone with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals like histamines to fight it. This reaction can lead to various symptoms, such as:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Skin rashes or hives
Swelling
Difficulty breathing
In some cases, allergies can cause more severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Allergies can be managed by avoiding known allergens, taking medications like antihistamines, and, in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots).
What my experience has shown
In my experience, I have only gotten the flu or a cold when my body is highly stressed, “run down,” or I have eaten too much “junk food.” When I eat a diet void of sugar, processed foods, or flour, I can avoid getting the cold or flu 99% of the time. When that occasional time comes that I do get one or my husband comes down with a cold, we have plenty of herbal remedies to get us back on track.
These are our go-to's:
KVA (Garlic Immune Extract) (based on a Dr. Christopher original), Colloidal Silver, Grapefruit seed extract, Elderberry Syrup Plus, and Cayenne. There are many others, but these are what we use.
Upcoming Events
See us at the Made in Montana Trade Show at the Fairgrounds on March 8th if you are a retailer and March 9th if you are a consumer. We will be at booth 506.
I will also have classes in April and June in Townsend and Helena. Let me know which one you are interested in: Growing Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden, How to Make Tinctures and Salve, or What is Iridology? Email or text me for more information.
Comments