The cold wet dark days of winter encourage opportunistic respiratory viruses to step up their action. 1.7 billion colds and flus wallop the United States every year, setting off a storm of sneezes, sniffles, sore throats & sinus congestion. In the last few years, we are seeing more virulent cold and flu bugs that disseminate in our work and community places, that the yearly flu vaccine does not always safeguard against. More virulent bacteria and virus strains are the root cause of lingering pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis & persistent coughs, COPD, reoccurring sinus infections and allergic reactions to dust, mold and pollens.
The cold and flu bugs are catalyzed by over 200 different respiratory viruses. Most of us as adults harbor 1 or 2 colds a year, often during the peak season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the winter months. On the average, young children under age 4 catch as many as 6 to 8 colds per year.
Most often a cold/flu shot taken each year immunizes an individual to the most prevalent cold viruses (8-12 viruses) out of the 185 bugs that are circulating each winter. Taking a flu shot does not immunize against all respiratory viruses or bacteria. Your immune system has developed antibodies to a few of the cold/flu viruses after your body has fended off a cold, but it can still leave you vulnerable to the full spectrum of garden variety respiratory bugs.
Fill out the Cold Quiz/ qualify the truth from old cold theories and remedies that may not defend you angst getting sick
