Cough and flu are both infectious diseases that are caused by viruses. Cough is typically caused by the common cold virus, while flu is caused by the influenza virus. Both viruses are highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of cough and flu include fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop. Treatment for both diseases typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication. In some cases, prescription antiviral drugs may be necessary. Prevention of both diseases is the best defense against them. Vaccines are available for both viruses, and good hygiene practices can help to reduce the risk of infection.
What Causes Cough?
Coughing is a typical reflex motion that clears mucus or external irritants from your throat. Everybody occasionally coughs to clear their throats, but certain illnesses can make coughing more regular.
An acute cough is one that lasts for fewer than three weeks. Within two weeks, the majority of coughing episodes will end or at the very least greatly improve.
The most common approach to clean your throat is to cough. Coughing is a reflex action that you take when your airways become blocked with mucus or foreign objects like smoke or dust. It helps you breathe more easily.
This kind of coughing is often not very common, but it will become more regular if you are exposed to irritants like smoke.
Causes For Flu
Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people with the flu get better on their own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:
- Young children under age 2
- Adults older than age 65
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
- People with weakened immune systems
- American Indians or Alaska Natives
- People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
- People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
Although the annual influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it reduces the chances of having severe complications from infection.
Remedies
When it comes to feeling our best, we often turn to tried and true cough and flu remedies. Some of these have been passed down through generations, while others are modern treatments that have been proven effective. However, there are also a number of myths about cough and flu remedies that circulate each year. So, what works and what doesn’t? Let’s take a closer look.
One popular remedy for both coughs and colds is honey. Honey has been shown to be an effective cough suppressant, and it can also help to relieve sore throats. Another common treatment is chicken soup. While chicken soup may not cure your cold, it can help to ease symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important when you’re sick, as it helps to prevent dehydration. And while many people reach for orange juice when they’re feeling under the weather, grapefruit juice may actually be more effective at boosting immunity.
There are a few old wives’ tales about cough and flu remedies that have been debunked by science. For example, contrary to popular belief, feeding a cold does not make it worse. And while you might think that staying indoors will help you to avoid getting sick, being outside in the fresh air can actually be good for you. So, next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for one of these proven cough and flu remedies.
Some Recommended Products That May Help
Lemsip 5’S
For the relief of the symptoms of colds and flu, including aches and pains, nasal congestion and lowering of temperature.
Sudafed Blocked Nose Nasal Spray
Sudafed’s Blocked Nose Nasal Spray helps quickly improve your ability to breathe thanks to its quick-acting composition. This quick remedy has been developed to offer pleasant relief regardless of the underlying reason of your congestion, from hay fever to the common cold.
Buttercup Original Cough Syrup
Traditional herbal cough syrup, Buttercup Original Cough Syrup, helps soothe sore throats and tickly coughs.
When to see a doctor?
Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don’t need to see a health care provider.
If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your health care provider right away. Taking antiviral medication may shorten the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems.
If you have emergency symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away. For adults, emergency symptoms can include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Ongoing dizziness
- Seizures
- Worsening of existing medical conditions
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
Emergency symptoms in children can include
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin color
- Chest pain
- Dehydration
- Severe muscle pain
- Seizures
- Worsening of existing medical conditions
About Savers
Our mission at Savers is to provide not only the best customer service, but also bring you the best products at the best prices! Our customers love what we deliver and have ranked us highly in the recent Customer Service and Best High Street Shop surveys. At Savers, you’ll discover everything you need to keep on top of your winter health, or to help alleviate symptoms of the common cold or the flu, from cough syrups and cough sweets to congestion relief and pain killers.
