As the air temperature rises, it’s important to be prepared for the cold and flu season. Dr. Ivica Cvetković, a family medicine doctor, and Maja Žalac, a phytoaromatherapist, suggest that while it may not be possible to completely avoid these illnesses, there are steps you can take to contribute to a quicker recovery if you do fall ill. They advise distinguishing between cold, flu, and corona virus symptoms as each illness can have different complications.
Dr. Cvetković explains that cold symptoms usually appear gradually, starting with a sore throat and followed by a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry and unproductive cough. He recommends rest, tea, a light diet as well as nasal drops for a blocked nose and lozenges with vitamin C, echinacea or sage for a sore throat. On the other hand, flu symptoms appear suddenly starting with a fever followed by muscle pain, headache and dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to ten days and full recovery can take up to three weeks. Complications of the flu include bronchitis ear infections pneumonia severe complications for people with weak immunity making it potentially fatal.
Dr. Cvetković also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants and minerals such as vitamin A