Colds, Flu and Your Immune System - Causes and Solutions

Colds and flu are common problems, but some people suffer more than others. Those with lower immunity can die from complications such as dehydration or pneumonia. Here you will learn about the causes of the infections and about things that weaken immune system function. You will also learn about the solutions.

What Causes Colds?

The common cold is a viral infection of the nasal passages and upper respiratory system. Usual symptoms include sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause the symptoms. The one we know the most about is the rhinovirus.

When someone sneezes or coughs, the viruses fly through the air. They do not function as other life forms do. There is even some question about whether or not they are living organisms. Instead of reproducing, they replicate.

The viruses can remain active on surfaces for many days, possibly weeks. So, when someone in the house is infected, it can be difficult to prevent the condition from spreading to other family members.

What Causes the Flu?

Influenza is caused by a different family of viruses. The viruses are divided into three categories; A, B and C. The viruses infect birds and mammals. The symptoms include those associated with the common cold, along with chills, fever, headache, weakness and muscle pain. Influenza is more likely to progress into pneumonia. The viruses are transmitted in the same way as the cold.

What Causes Weakened Immunity?

Weakened immunity makes people more susceptible to infections of all kinds. Things that have a negative effect on immune system function include:

? Young Age-infants and young children have an immature immune system. We develop immunity to viruses and other kinds of infections after being exposed to them.

? Old Age-older people sometimes have weaker immune systems, although it is not necessarily a natural part of the aging process

? Poor Nutrition

? Disease-an existing disease of any kind can make a person more susceptible to infection

? Immunodeficiency-in immunodeficiency diseases, a person's immune system is dysfunctional. The diseases may be acquired (AIDs) or something one is born with.

? Treatments for disease

Some diseases are referred to as autoimmune diseases. They are characterized by an overactive immune system. In order to treat the autoimmune disease, doctors prescribe drugs that suppress immune system function. The treatments make the person more likely to catch colds and the flu.

Many cancer treatments destroy immune system function, temporarily. While a person is receiving those treatments, they are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Even being around people who are sick increases your risk of becoming infected.

What Are the Solutions?

There are no cures. Anti-viral medications are only somewhat effective. Flu shots are used to prevent people from coming down with influenza, but the shots are only effective against the specific virus believed to be most likely to cause an infection during that year. There are hundreds of viruses in the family. So, the shot does not guarantee you won't get the flu.

The real solution to colds and influenza viruses is to strengthen your immune system. You will learn how to do that in my next article.

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Size Matters, Among Other Things, When Shopping for a Medical Alert System

If you have an elderly family member who is left alone often, one of the surest ways to get peace of mind back in your life is through a medical alert system that will send help fast, 24/7, at the push of a button. If you're not sure what to look for, here are few tips to consider.

Contracts:
Would you rent an apartment without a contract? Of course not. The reason being is without that contract stating that you only need to pay a certain amount monthly, your landlord could raise the rent at any time to any price. "Contract" isn't a dirty word. On the contrary, a contract is your price protection.

Some companies promote "no contracts", but there's no point in purchasing a medical alert system with a company that's not going to be as invested in you as you are in them. If you have a contract with a company they must uphold their commitment to you. A contract is your price protection so you're guarantee a fixed cost and the company can not raise their monthly charge, or implement hidden fees like other businesses do without contracts.

Base Unit verses Speaker phone:
SIZE DOES MATTER, at least in the medical alert industry. And this is an area where smaller is better. Some medical alert pendants are waterproof whereas others emphasize having a speaker phone built into the pendant making communication 2-Way. Don't be fooled by this kind of advertising because base unit pendants communicate 2-Way, as well.

Unfortunately, the speaker phone pendant is large, heavy and bulky due to the mechanics inside the pendant. This can make it too tedious to wear all the time, especially when sleeping. Moreover, it really doesn't make much of a fashion statement as the speaker phone pendant is quite visible and can't easily be tucked into a shirt.

Whereas, a base unit emergency pendant has the communication devices built into the monitor, not the pendant, making the pendant easier to wear either around the neck or wrist, on a belt, or tucked into a shirt. Moreover, because it is small and lightweight, a person can wear it all the time comfortably, even when sleeping or showering.

Water Resistant vs. Water Proof:
The bathroom is one of main areas where the elderly are most vulnerable. Therefore, it's imperative that an emergency response pendant be able to work where moisture, humidity, and heavy water flow occurs.

A medical alert product that is water resistant means if it gets wet, it can resist the moisture. So, if you're washing your hands and some water gets on the pendant it won't short it out. However, if it's submerged the water can still penetrate and ruin the product. Some companies may promote that you can bathe or shower with their water resistant system but you may want to really check the fine print to verify that the item will still work if it gets submerged in a bath.

Whereas, Water Proof means it's impervious to water and can be submerged. A water proof medical alert pendant gives you the freedom to shower or bathe, knowing that if you slip - help is just as button push away.

Reputation:
Would you buy an unfamiliar brand of automobile from an unknown dealership that just popped up over night? I hope not. Most likely you would research that dealership as well as the make, model and year of the vehicle you're interested in before making any purchases. Generally, the same reasons why you would do this research are the same reasons why you need to research to find which Emergency Response Company is best for you. It all comes down to trust and safety.

Some questions to ask yourself are: how long have them been in business? Do they have a spokesperson, if so, who? Is the spokesperson reputable? Do they have customers testifying to how wonderful the company is? If so, how many testimonials are there? And finally, how long have they been in business? You want to make sure this is a known and reputable company you can trust. Just as your life is in the hands of an automobile and its maker, the life of your elderly loved one is being put in the hands of a personal protection company.

So when it comes to choosing the right medial alert system for your elder, make sure the company has a contract that works for you, the pendant is small enough to wear comfortably while sleeping or bathing, and most importantly, make sure you know and trust the company.

Heidi Nestor holds three university degrees, including a Master's in Rhetoric and Reading Comprehension. Heidi has traveled throughout the country and parts of the world lecturing and training on cultural human resources. Currently, Heidi is the writer and editor for Life Alert, and is focused on assisting Life Alert with saving lives.

For more information, call 1-800-380-0768 or go to http://www.lifealert.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Nestor

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