Over the last few years with the COVID epidemic illness and recovery has been front page news. As this slides away from the headlines we must not forget about looking after ourselves internally and externally. Unfortunately COVID is still causing problems, as well as some nasty colds and flu
Therefore I am here to remind you to take care!
System Run Down
One of the main reasons you catch a cold is because your system is struggling. You may be stressed, tiered, working long hours, not eating well, you have an underlying condition which makes you more vulnerable, over exercising
Not taking time for selfcare – all of these lead you to become run down.
When the Cold Hits – Rest!
Most Colds will last about 10 days
Rest, rest, rest when you become ill you need to rest, this is so often not recognise in today’s society
Let the cold run its course, don’t supress it, else it will stay longer – Rest
Stay home and limiting your activity can help your body fight the infection and prevent its spread to other people – and Rest
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help break up nasal mucus and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, which can be dehydrating – rest
Use honey. To ease a cough, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of warm water and lemon. However, avoid giving honey to children under 1 year of age – rest
Fever – a cool flannel can help – rest
Improvement you will hopefully feel nearly better by day 10, you should be improved by 14 days. You may have a few lingering symptoms, like a runny nose or a tickle in your throat. Overall, though, you should be feeling stronger
When you improve don’t rush straight back to the same pace of life , return slowly, to work and exercise and still rest up a bit
Serious Symptoms
Sometimes, what seems like a cold can develop into something more serious. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of these more serious symptoms:
Fever of 38 degrees C or higher for more than 24 hours
Fever accompanied by a rash severe headaches, confusion, severe back or abdominal pain or painful urination
Coughing or sneezing mucus that is green, brown, or bloody
Shortness of breath chest pain, wheezing or difficulty swallowing
Tender and painful sinuses
White or yellow spots in your throat
Severe headaches with blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea or vomiting
Pain or discharge from your ears
Persistent pain in the abdomen
Profuse sweating, shaking, or chills
All of these symptoms may signal the presence of another infection or other medical issue. If you experience any of these while you’re trying to self-treat a cold, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Be kind to Yourself
Whether you have a cold Flu or COVID allow yourself to recover, don’t do too much too soon, slowly return to life as it was
I do understand this is difficult if you have people to care for and responsibilities, but try to rest the best you can
The kinder you are to yourself the better recovery you will have
Slowly work yourself back to exercise and work for longer term recovery
Try not to feel guilty about caring for yourself
If you find you are not recovering well and still feel weak you may have Post Viral Fatigue – therefore very important to rest and not do too much and have a few acupuncture sessions
Prevention and Traditional Five Element Acupuncture
Prevention is better than cure so to start with look at the factors that keep us well. To prevent colds, Flu and other virus and many kinds of illness you need to keep your Immune system strong.
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands
A Good night’s sleep 7-9 hours ideally
Eat well clean fresh food – plenty of fruit and vegetables
Keep your neck and chest warm
Don’t smoke
Keep alcohol consumption low
Move and Breath – exercise low and high intensity,(not over exercising) stretch and breathe deeply – walk, run, cycle, swim, yoga and enjoy it
Meditate – sit or lie be still and calm – give your self time and space
Be out in the fresh air – wrap up on colder days
Drink plenty of water, starting the day with hot water and lemon
Take Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C – to help your immunity
Acupuncture can help improve your overall Wellbeing and Immunity – to improve your system to avoid catching colds and other virus’s
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