Advice from your Kamloops Naturopathic Doctor on strengthening your immunity this cold and flu season.
The colder months are officially upon us, and while that means it’s such a fun time to enjoy the holidays and outdoor activities, it also means that we’re smack dab in the middle of yet another cold and flu season. No one likes to be slowed down by illness, and as a Naturopathic Doctor, I’m constantly receiving questions from my Kamloops patients about how they can stay healthy this season. There are so many factors that go into keeping your immune system balanced and strong during these months, and many of them are completely within your control.
Why do people get sick in colder months?
I like to remind my patients that the cold and flu season lasts longer than just winter–typically, it begins in October and can last until March (and if you have young kids like we do, it never ends). During this period, cooler temperatures and increased indoor gatherings create the perfect environment for viruses to spread. When we’re indoors, we often share air and close quarters, making it easier for respiratory infections to pass from person to person. The dry air from heating systems doesn’t do us any favours either because it can dry out our mucous membranes, which normally act as a barrier to pathogens.
When it comes to lifestyle factors, the holiday season often brings added stress and dietary changes, both of which can further compromise our immune response. Plus, the shorter days can lead to reduced sunlight exposure, which may decrease our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is so important to immune function, so lower levels can leave us more vulnerable to infections. This concoction of factors makes it easy to see why we’re more likely to get sick during colder months!
How do I know if I have the flu or a cold?
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often get asked about the difference between a cold and the flu, and it’s an important distinction to make. A cold usually creeps in with milder symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. It’s annoying but typically manageable. On the other hand, the flu hits hard and fast, often bringing on a high fever, body aches, chills, and a level of fatigue that can leave you feeling wiped out. While colds tend to last a few days to about a week, the flu can hang around longer and sometimes lead to more serious complications, especially for those with weakened immune systems. If you think you have the flu, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider for advice. Understanding which one you have can help you take the right precautions.
What are common flu symptoms?
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting/diarrhea (though this is more common in children than adults)
What are common cold symptoms?
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Mild body aches or a mild headache
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
How do you deal with a cold and flu?
When you catch a cold or the flu, it’s really important to take care of yourself to help your body recover. First off, make rest a priority. Your body needs extra energy to fight off the virus, so getting plenty of sleep and taking it easy should be your first step. Staying hydrated is equally important—drink lots of fluids like water, herbal teas, and broth to help thin mucus and keep yourself feeling good.
Eating nutritious foods can also make a big difference. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to give your immune system the boost it needs. You might want to try herbal remedies, too; things like elderberry, echinacea, or ginger can be soothing. If you’re feeling congested, inhaling steam can really help—whether it’s from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head. And don’t forget about gargling with warm salt water to ease a sore throat.
For symptom relief, over-the-counter medications can be helpful for headaches, fever, or congestion. Using a humidifier can keep the air moist, which can make breathing easier and soothe irritated airways. Try to manage stress, as it can take a toll on your immune system.
Can I get IV therapy while sick?
Yes, IV drip therapy can indeed help you recover from a cold or the flu. It can not only aid in recovery but may also help you get over your symptoms more quickly. When over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to alleviate symptoms, IV therapy could be the next best option, offering fast relief. During such therapy for a cold or flu, you receive a combination of electrolytes and antiemetics. These components help restore the nutrients and fluids your body has lost and assist your immune system in fighting off the virus. Because the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream, you can experience symptom relief much faster than you would with oral medications.
At Total Health Clinic, I offer my patients different “cocktails” for the IV depending on their symptoms and the severity of their illnesses. For instance, for the flu, some might use a mix of vitamins and glutathione to help reduce fatigue and boost the immune system.
IV therapy may also help ease the aches and pains associated with the sickness and help you feel healthier sooner. Beyond treating illness, many people seek IV therapy to boost their immune system to prevent getting sick in the first place and to ensure they receive the necessary vitamins and nutrients for optimal health.
If you are considering IV therapy while actively sick and potentially contagious, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. You can consult with Dr. Kaleb Falk at Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC, or your own healthcare provider to discuss whether it is appropriate for you to come in. Special protocols may need to be followed to ensure the safety of both you and others at the clinic. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Remember, listening to your body and allowing yourself time to heal is key to feeling better.
Intravenous (IV) Vitamin Therapy in Kamloops, BC
Cold and flu season is the perfect time to consider adding supplements to your routine, and intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy is a convenient and totally customizable way to do that. At Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC, IV therapy allows for direct delivery of vitamins and minerals right into your bloodstream, ensuring rapid absorption and maximum benefits. Unlike oral supplements, which often come in lower doses and can be tough on the stomach, IV therapy provides the nutrients your body needs in much higher amounts, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to give their immune system a solid boost.
One of the best things about IV therapy is that it bypasses the digestive system, which can sometimes hinder how well your body absorbs nutrients. This can be especially helpful if you’ve ever experienced stomach upset from taking vitamins or if you have conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Plus, I create customized IV drips specifically for your health needs, blending together antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your wellness goals.
IV Therapy Treatment Expectations
If you’re considering IV therapy in Kamloops, BC to help manage your cold or flu symptoms, I want to ensure you have clear understanding of what to expect during your visit to Total Health Clinic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to our IV therapy process:
Initial Consultation
Before we begin any treatment, we’ll sit down together for a detailed consultation. This conversation is crucial to understanding your health goals and what you hope to achieve with IV therapy. To ensure that we are on the right track and that the treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs, I may recommend some blood work.
Tailoring Your Treatment
Once we discuss your symptoms and goals, I’ll determine the most effective IV therapy cocktail for your condition. You’ll be informed about the dosage, how long the treatment will take, and any potential side effects. It’s important to me that you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
Treatment Duration
During an IV therapy session, which typically lasts between 45 minutes to two hours, patients can expect a relaxed environment where they can unwind. You are welcome to watch a movie, read a book, or simply enjoy a quiet moment to yourself while the nutrients are infused slowly and safely into your bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption and minimal discomfort.
Post-Treatment Experience
After your treatment, you should be able to return to your normal activities. I encourage you to listen to your body and adjust your activity levels based on how you feel post-treatment. Many of my patients report feeling revitalized, with their bodies replenished with essential antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support health during the cold and flu season.
Managing Expectations
It’s important to remember that while IV therapy can be a powerful tool to boost your immune system and alleviate symptoms, it is not an instant cure. Think of it as part of a broader health management strategy that includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet to give your body the best chance to fight off viruses.
By providing a comprehensive approach to IV therapy, I aim to help you not only recover more quickly from cold and flu symptoms but also enhance your overall health resilience during the season.
What are the other benefits of IV therapy?
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I advocate for intravenous therapy to optimize health efficiently. IV therapy, which I offering Kamloops, directly delivers vital nutrients into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum absorption for immediate benefits. Each IV bag is tailored to your individual wellness goals, offering:
- Increased energy levels
- Treatment for certain nutrient deficiencies
- Relief from dehydration
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced anxiety and enhanced relaxation
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Dos and Don’ts for Supporting Your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season
Looking for more ways to support your immune system during this cold and flu season? Here’s my top advice as a Naturopathic Doctor to stay healthy in the colder months.
Supporting Your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season Dos:
- Do Prioritize Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system and helps your body recover.
- Do Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and broth. Staying hydrated helps your body function optimally and can alleviate some cold symptoms.
- Do Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like citrus fruits and leafy greens, can boost your immunity.
- Do Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system.
- Do Wash Your Hands Regularly: Frequent handwashing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of germs. If soap isn’t available, use hand sanitizer.
- Do Stay Active: Regular physical activity can boost your immune system. Aim for moderate exercise like walking or cycling most days of the week.
Supporting Your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season Don’ts:
- Don’t Neglect Your Hygiene: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to minimize the risk of transferring germs.
- Don’t Skip Meals: Make sure to eat regular, nutritious meals. Skipping meals can deprive your body of the nutrients it needs to function properly.
- Don’t Overdo Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can weaken your immune response.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking can impair your immune system and increase your susceptibility to infections. If you smoke, seek support to quit.
- Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If you start feeling unwell, don’t brush it off. Early intervention can help prevent a mild illness from worsening.
- Don’t Forget to Get Vaccinated: If eligible, get your flu shot to help protect yourself and others during flu season.
What supplements support immunity during cold and flu season?
While a healthy diet and lifestyle lay the groundwork for good health, sometimes we need a little extra help, especially when our bodies are under stress or when we’re not getting enough sunlight, like during cold and flu season. That’s where supplements come in! They can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies that can give your immune system the boost it needs to fend off illness. Here’s a list of some effective supplements that can help support your immunity during this season:
- Vitamin C: This well-known vitamin helps boost the production of white blood cells and can reduce the duration of colds.
- Vitamin D: Essential for regulating immune function, vitamin D is often in short supply during the winter months, so supplementation can be particularly helpful.
- Vitamin A: Supports immune function and helps maintain the health of mucous membranes, which act as barriers against infections.
- Zinc: This mineral plays a key role in immune cell function and can shorten the duration of colds, especially if taken at the first sign of symptoms.
- Elderberry: Often found in syrup form, elderberry is known for its antiviral properties and may help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
- Echinacea: This popular herb can enhance immune function and may help prevent and treat colds.
- Probiotics: Supporting gut health is so important for a strong immune system, and probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria.
- Garlic: With its antimicrobial properties, garlic can enhance your immune response and may help ward off colds and flu.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and support overall immune health.
Sometimes supplements can have adverse reactions when combined with other medications, so it’s a good idea to book a consultation with me in Kamloops to discuss if your daily lineup might have any conflicts before adding new supplements.
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Cold and Flu Season IV Therapy in Kamloops, BC
No one likes to be slowed down by cold and flu during the colder months. Through practicing healthy habits, spotting the difference between cold and flu and focusing on ways to support your immune system naturally, you can minimize your susceptibility to illness this season. To give your immune system an added boost during cold and flu season with customized IV vitamin therapy, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with me at Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC.
