Naturopathic Cold / Flu Relief options are now being offered in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding communities of Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and Chandler by Board-Certified Naturopathic Physicians and primary care doctors Dr. Dylan W. Krueger, NMD, and Dr. Michelle Barraza, NMD.
Overview
Cold and Flu season is upon us once again, with this year being significantly worse than prior years. Generally, people associate cold and flu season with the fall and winter months but it can happen anytime throughout the year. Both the common cold and flu are viral infections that produce similar symptoms, with the flu being the more problematic of the two. People that are susceptible to infection include young children, elderly, obese, immunocompromised, and people with chronic diseases. Both the cold and flu are self limiting, meaning that they will pass and patients will return to health without any treatments necessarily needed.
Signs and Symptoms of the Common Cold
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Sinus Congestion
- Runny Nose
- Mild Fever
- Couch
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Sinus Congestion
- Runny Nose
- Fever
- Muscle Aches
- Chills and Hot Sweats
Causes
- Rhinovirus (Common Cold)
- Influenza Viruses (many different strains)
- Other Viruses
Risk Factors
- Age (very young or very old)
- Exposure (workplace or living environment)
- Obesity (BMI over 40)
- Weak Immune System
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- High Stress
- Poor Sleep
Conventional Approaches
Colds and Flus are commonly diagnosed in family medicine and primary care clinics. The diagnosis for each can be made by the medical history and physical exam performed in office. Flus also require a rapid test that is performed in office. This consists of a throat swab to detect antigens that indicate the influenza virus. Occasionally, a x-ray may be ordered for colds that present with other complicating symptoms or if the patient has had the symptoms over an extended period of time.
Conventional treatment for the common cold consists of symptom management and rest. Typically, over the counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, decongestants, and cough syrups will be recommended. Treatment for the flu also consists of rest and staying well hydrated. Antiviral medications may also be prescribed such as Tamiflu, which help shorten the infection by a number of hours.
Naturopathic Cold / Flu Relief
Our Top Rated team of Doctors in Gilbert, AZ use the same diagnostic criteria as conventional family medicine and primary care doctors. The difference in approach lies in the treatments implemented. Naturopathic Doctors also advise plenty of bed rest and hydration for both the cold and flu but have individualized recommendations as well. These include vitamins, supplements, teas, hydrotherapy, nutrient dense foods, and IV therapy. Nutrient IV therapy typically consists of vitamin c, b-complex, b-12, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, NAC and amino acids for a strong immune boost to the body that goes directly into the bloodstream.
Benefits of Naturopathic Cold / Flu Treatment
- Quicker Recovery Time
- Decreased Headache
- Increased Energy
- Increased Hydration
The Cold and Flu are both quite common, with many individuals and families being impacted and infected each year. Both consist of a viral infection that produces uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing. Conventional care typically consists of rest and over the counter medications to manage the symptoms. Naturopathic care consists of additional treatments such as nutrient IV therapy, foods, teas and supplements that allow patients to recovery faster and healthier from the cold and flu. This approach boosts the immune system and allows the body to fight the virus at a much faster rate. Patients typically respond well to Naturopathic care with minimal side effects noted. This allows people to get back to work and their families so they can live the life they intended. For more information about Cold / Flu, Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Dylan W. Krueger, NMD, Stem Cell Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma, or our Gilbert, AZ location, please contact us at: 480-648-1534 or email us at: atlashealthmedicalgroup@gmail.com.
