Is it a cold or the flu?
November 17, 2020 | Evidence in Integrative Healthcare
Chart Source: CDC
As cold and flu season is upon us, there are some integrative healthcare (IH) approaches that can help to alleviate some of the associated symptoms. According to the CDC, the common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. They may be difficult to differentiate based on symptoms but some general difference are illustrated in the chart.
These symptoms can be quite miserable. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that there aren’t any specific integrative healthcare approaches identified that are helpful for the flu; however, there are several that have demonstrated promise for colds. This includes the following:
- Oral zinc products
- Rinsing the nose and sinuses (with a neti pot or other devices using only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Visit https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your-sinuses-neti-pots-safe for specific safety information on nasal rinsing.)
- Honey as a nighttime cough remedy for children
- Vitamin C for people under severe physical stress
- Probiotics
- Meditation.
For additional information on flu and colds and other health conditions, the NCCIH is an excellent resource of evidence-based information for IH treatment approaches.