Colds & Flus 

Meet This Season’s Viral Lineup

• Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2):
  These “headliners” bring sudden fevers, body aches that make you want to curl up in bed, chills, cough, fatigue, and sore throat. H3N2 in particular can land older adults in rough shape, so if you’re feeling wiped out with a high fever—especially if you’re over 65—this could be your culprit.

Danger zone: Shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, high fever that won’t budge, or if you’re getting sicker instead of better after a few days.

• Influenza B (Victoria lineage):
  Influenza B is like the sibling who doesn’t cause as much drama but still makes its presence known, especially in kids and teens. Symptoms are similar to Influenza A but are usually milder: fever, aches, cough, and fatigue.

Danger zone: Same red flags as above, especially if you have underlying health conditions (like asthma or diabetes).

• Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (“the common cold”):
  The classic stuffy nose, sneezes, mild sore throat, watery eyes, and cough. Usually no fever (or just a mild one), and you can expect to keep your sense of taste and smell. 

Danger zone: If it lingers more than 10 days, turns into a raging sinus infection, or you get short of breath, wheezy, or the cough brings up green/yellow phlegm.

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):
  RSV plays hardball with infants, toddlers, and older adults. It can look like a cold at first—runny nose, cough, mild fever—but in vulnerable groups, it can quickly spiral into wheezing, trouble breathing, or bluish lips/fingertips. 

Danger zone: If breathing is fast, shallow, or laboured, if there’s trouble eating/drinking, or if you see the skin sinking in between ribs—seek care fast (especially for babies and seniors).

• Seasonal Coronaviruses & Human Metapneumovirus:
  These cause cold/flu-like symptoms—runny nose, sore throat, cough, mild fatigue. They rarely cause trouble unless you have immune issues. 

Danger zone: Unusual or severe symptoms, especially chest pain or trouble breathing.

• COVID-19:
  Still circulating, but less dominant than last year. Symptoms can overlap with flu (fever, aches, cough, sore throat, loss of taste/smell), but add in keeping an eye out for persistent cough and unexpected fatigue.

Danger zone: Trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips/face, confusion, or if symptoms worsen rapidly.

Bottom Line: If you have any red-flag symptoms (struggling to breathe, persistent high fever, chest pain, fainting, or confusion), are at higher risk (young kids, elderly, chronic illness, pregnant), or just aren’t getting better after a week—seek immediate medical care. 

With a cold, you’re most contagious in the first 3–4 days but can spread germs up to 10 days, sometimes longer. The flu, meanwhile, puts you on the “viral influencer” list from a day before symptoms appear to about one week after, so it pays to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing meds).

If you’re coughing up a storm, feverish, or feel like even the couch is judging how tired you are—stay home and spare the office “viral-sharing” session.

Call the doc if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever that won’t budge after a few days, symptoms longer than 10 days, or you're at higher risk (young kids, elderly, chronic illness, pregnancy).

The Basics Still Reign Supreme:

• Hand-washing: Do it like you just diced jalapeños and are about to put in your contacts—often, thoroughly, and after being out and about.
• Avoid face-touching and steer clear of the sniffly squad: Viruses ride on hands to noses, mouths, and eyes.
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces: Phones, doorknobs, keyboards, and shopping carts are unlikely celebrities in the germ world.
• Get that annual flu shot: A literal “VIP line” for your immune system, highly recommended for most Canadians each year.

Keep Your Immune System Fit—ND Style:

• Daily moderate exercise, fresh air, and exposure to nature are associated with better immunity and lower rates of infection.
• Eat a nutrient-dense, whole foods diet: Focus on colourful vegetables, fruits, quality protein, healthy fats, and whole grains. Skip the frequent indulgence in booze, sugary foods, and highly processed snacks for a more resilient immune system.
• Sleep is your immunological ally: Aim for 7–9 hours of good-quality rest per night.

Powerhouse Foods for Immune Health:

• Garlic & onions: Natural antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-balancing effects—backed by human trials, garlic supplements and raw clove consumption can help defend against viruses.
• Spices: Thyme, oregano, sage, and ginger are rich in phytochemicals shown to have antiviral and immune-modulating properties.
• Raw honey: Especially manuka or local raw honey, supports throat comfort and has antimicrobial effects (not for children under one).
• Pumpkin seeds & brazil nuts: Rich in zinc and selenium, these minerals help with immune cell communication and virus defence.

Targeted Nutrients:

• Zinc: Daily supplementation (especially at the early onset of cold symptoms) can reduce symptom severity and duration, and may even decrease risk of catching a cold in the first place.
• Vitamin D: Essential for immune function; low levels are linked to a higher risk of respiratory infection. Supplement if your levels are low, especially during the winter months in Canada.

Herbal Allies with Growing Evidence:

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Can reduce duration and severity of colds and flus; shown in randomized trials and reviews to outperform placebos and even some antivirals when used at the onset of illness.
• Echinacea: Evidence shows it can modestly reduce the length and intensity of symptoms if started early, though the best support is for Echinacea purpurea species.
• Andrographis: Well-studied for upper respiratory infections; can reduce duration and severity of symptoms, particularly when taken promptly after onset.
• Astragalus: An adaptogen traditionally used for immune resilience; clinical studies support ongoing use to support immune function.
• Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, chaga, shiitake): While evidence is more preliminary, these have immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties and are well tolerated for preventive support.

Honorable mentions:

• Ginger teas, bone broth, and miso soup soothe the throat and provide micronutrients.
• Probiotics: May reduce frequency and severity of respiratory infections for some individuals.

Rest is your prescription—for once, “Netflix and chill” is doctor-approved. Drink fluids, use saline nasal sprays, lozenges or honey for sore throat, and over-the-counter meds if needed for aches or fever. For the flu, an antiviral from your doc within 48 hours can sometimes shorten the drama, but nothing beats TLC.

When cold and flu hit, hydration and rest truly outrank any supplement: they’re the MVPs of quick recovery. Adding a tablespoon of real honey to your tea can calm a nagging cough (for ages one and up), and a nasal saline rinse is a simple, science-backed way to clear congestion.

On the herbal front, while traditional remedies continue to be studied, some standouts have promising properties:

• Thyme is rich in essential oils like thymol and carvacrol; clinical and animal studies show it can ease cough and help loosen mucus, especially when paired with ivy leaf. Traditionally enjoyed as tea or syrup, its antiviral punch is still being unraveled.
• Myrrh has time-honoured use for taming inflammation and fighting microbes. While lab results are promising, quality studies in people remain limited.
• Oregon grape (thanks to its berberine) and oil of oregano have well-established antimicrobial credentials. Most cold/flu evidence comes from lab and folk use, especially for oil of oregano, which is a common addition to cold-weather herbal blends—just remember: too much can upset your stomach.
• Baptisia (wild indigo) is sometimes teamed up with echinacea in respiratory remedies, showing modest immune and antimicrobial effects in some research. However, high doses of Baptisia can be toxic, so consult a knowledgeable practitioner before use.

Among nutrients, two shine for immune support:

• Zinc (especially when started within 24–48 hours of symptoms, at doses over 75mg/day) has solid clinical evidence for cutting down the length and severity of colds by about a day or two. It’s not helpful as a daily preventive for most, but is safe to use acutely—just avoid prolonged, high dosing to sidestep side effects like nausea or copper deficiency.
• NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is a standout antioxidant and mucus-thinner. Clinical trials—especially in seniors and people with lung disease—show it can reduce the frequency and severity of viral respiratory episodes, soften chest congestion, and help calm inflammation. It’s generally well tolerated, with mild digestive complaints as the main downside.

Bottom line:
Herbs like thyme, myrrh, oil of oregano, and wild indigo can be supportive for cough and congestion, with lab and animal data supporting their use (human trials are catching up!). Zinc and NAC, when used appropriately, offer proven benefits for shortening illness or easing symptoms. These natural supports work best alongside classic care: rest, hydration, and hand washing.

Consistency is key: nourish with nutrient-rich whole foods, exercise regularly, get quality sleep, stay socially connected, and laugh often—your immune system is powered by habits, not hacks.