About Cold and Flu

The most common cause of illness in Australian children and adults are colds or upper respiratory tract infections. We don't 'catch' colds as is commonly believed. Over 200 viruses are around our bodies all times. Our bodies usually combat the viruses however when we are run down or our immune systems are too weak to fight the infection, we become susceptible to 'catching' them.  

Symptoms often include stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, red eyes and swelling of lymph glands.

Vitamins for cold and flu

Vitamins with some evidence of benefit for cold and flu include:

• Echinacea
• Vitamin C
• Olive Leaf Extract
• Zinc
• Vitamin A

Echinacea

Echinacea is widely used as a natural treatment for cold and flu. It is believed to activate the body's T cells which are an essential part of the immune response. It is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral and vulnerary in addition to its immunostimulant qualities.

Echinacea is most suitable for generally healthy people who may be susceptible to frequent minor infections such as colds, sore throats, and skin rashes. The recommended daily dosage for general immunity to frequent infection is 800mg of dried herb three times a day.

It is suggested that for Echinacea to be effective as a form of treatment, it must be ingested in high doses and therefore should never be taken for prolonged periods of time. The recommended therapeutic dose of Echinacea is 1200mg of dried root for a maximum of eight weeks.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been proven to boost the immune system and it's said that 100mg of vitamin C taken daily may prevent cold and flu. If you already have a cold or flu, vitamin C taken in a therapeutic dose of 1000mg per day has been shown to help shorten the duration of the cold or flu.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory qualities. It disables infections for long enough for the immune system to eliminate them and stop pathogens from spreading.

Recommended daily dosage is 5ml (one teaspoon) three times daily.

Zinc

Zinc is a vital nutrient that is used in the production of hormones that support the immune system to fight viruses. 13.3mg of zinc acetate taken at the first sign of a cold or flu is said to significantly reduce the length of illness.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A has been shown to help prevent infections. There is no need to take more than the recommended daily dosage of 5000iu which is easily ingested in the diet through foods like carrots, spinach and capsicum.

Where to get help for Cold and Flu

Your doctor should be your first port of call.  

Disclaimer

Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional. Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone's failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.

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