Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions
Viruses and bacteria can cause infections of the upper respiratory tract. This part of the body includes the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx and large airways.1
A variety of conditions can be caused depending on the type of virus or bacteria. Two of the most well known are the common cold and flu.1
The Common Cold
There are more than 200 different viruses that can bring on the illness.2 The most common of these is the rhinovirus, causing around a third of all colds.2
You can catch the virus through tiny droplets that are spread through contact with someone who is sick.3 This can happen through the air, such as when someone sneezes or coughs, or by touch, when you handle contaminated things like a spoon or fork.3
Symptoms often appear within three days of infection from a virus, and can include:
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sneezing3
If you have a cold, you’re most contagious for the first three days. After about a week, the cold usually isn’t contagious enough to spread to others.3
The Flu (Should this title be changed? Maybe “Other Respiratory Conditions”)
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The first symptoms of the flu are often very similar to a cold, and can easily be mistaken. However, the onset of the flu is sudden as opposed to the slower development of colds.4
Symptoms of the flu include:
- High Fever
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat4
Natural Supplements
Echinacea Purpurea – An ingredient traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve cold symptoms and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It is able to help fight off infections, especially those of the upper respiratory tract. It also shortens the duration of the infection. Due to this it is often considered a supportive therapy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.5
American Ginseng – Used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help maintain a healthy immune system. It stimulates and promotes an active immune response to allow for better recovery. Ginseng also promotes healthy glucose levels.6
Bill Natural Sources FluFLX Plus combines both Echinacea purpurea and American ginseng. This powerful formulation supports and enhances the immune system and helps fight off upper respiratory infections like the cold and flu. Be prepared this cold season with FluFLX Plus.
References