There's nothing worse than getting sick during the holidays, is there? I do know just about this time of year the cold and flu viruses really get going. They seem to touch every family. Did you ever wonder why that was?

With Fall our beloved children start back to school, and the close contact they have with other children--not to mention how they forget to wash their hands, share items with other children, try each other's lunches, etc. All that closeness! Before you know it our children become little "virus factories", passing around the adenoviruses of the common cold, or worse the influenza virus that causes the flu. Of course our children bring all these unwanted guests home to share with the whole family, so by the time we reach December the cold and flu season is in full swing. Young children have an average of 6 - 10 colds per year. That's a lot of germs floating around!

Facts About Common Cold And Flu Viruses

The adenoviruses are responsible for the common cold. There are so many different types of cold viruses that it has been impossible to develop an effective immunization for the common cold. Recently, one strain (A14) has caused some concern because it has mutated to become a very serious variety. Several people over the last couple of years have actually died from complications. But this type has remained quite rare and is not expected to become widespread.

Several types of influenza virus also exist, Type A, B, or C. Type A has been the cause of serious epidemics. Type B & C have been responsible for a milder form of illness.

Adenoviruses usually cause mild illnesses confined to the upper respiratory system. A high fever is not usually a part of this illness as much as it can be with the influenza virus. With the flu it usually starts with the sudden appearance of chills, fever, and muscle aches. The chest congestion, cough and sore throat then follows later. The stomach symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea usually are not associated with the influenza virus, but may be symptoms of other "stomach flu" viruses.

Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms

Most of the time both common colds and the flu are self contained and will run their course in a week to 10 days. Antibiotics are not a necessary part of the treatment, since viruses are not killed by antibiotics. However, people with chronic illnesses such as asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions may develop secondary bacterial infections that requires antibiotics. Recently there has been a health care campaign to educate the public not to expect antibiotics treatment for these viral illnesses. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is one reason for the rise of resistant bacterial infections in general.

If you do find yourself infected, you should

1. Get plenty of rest and fluids
2. Avoid smoking or being around anyone who smokes
3. Depending on your symptoms decongestants, gargles and/or cough syrup may help with some of the symptoms
4. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the fever, aches and pains that come along with the flu. Do NOT give your children aspirin.
5. Use inhaled steam or a vaporizer to moisten the air, especially when it is cold, as houses often have heating systems that dry the air.

How to Ward Off Those Nasty Viruses

It is a common misconception that cold weather causes the flu. It doesn't. But it may play some role if you are in a state of lowered resistance. Stress, chronic illnesses, and cancer are some known causes of lowered resistance. The immune system is very complex, however, and we don't know all the causes.

Either inhaling or touching infected particles and airborne droplets is how these viruses usually spread. So here's some tips on things that will help cut down the spread of these viruses from person to person.

1. Wash your hands often plus wash down shared objects like the phone, doorknobs, TV remotes, and computer keyboards.
2. Drink plenty of fluids regularly to flush out your system of germs and toxins.
3. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation definitely makes us more likely to become infected by altering our resistance.
4. Do not smoke. Studies show smokers get sick with colds and flu more often and have more complications
5. Take alcohol only in moderation. Heavy drinkers also have lowered resistance, can get sick more often, plus have more complications
6. Exercise regularly to keep the immune system at it's best, and eat a well rounded diet of fruits, grains and veggies.
7. Learn relaxation techniques, especially during times of stress. This also helps the immune system operate at it's best
8. Get an annual flu shot--this is a must if you are over 65 years of age or if you have any sort of chronic condition that would lead to serious complications if you got the flu.