Latest news with #coldflu


Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Why Bother Buying a Humidifier? 3 Key Benefits — and the Limitations
Key takeaways Experts have long recommended humidifiers to soothe throats and noses, but research on how they affect allergies and skin is mixed. Research has shown that air at around 42% humidity helps kill airborne viruses. We like the Levoit 600S and the Homedics Ultrasonic Humidifier. A quick look at our humidifier picks I count one, two, three humidifiers in my house — one in the main bedroom and one in each of my kids' rooms. I first purchased a humidifier for my son's room when he was a baby, only because it's on every baby registry. It's just what you do, like checking a box on the way to becoming a parent. And I happen to live in a particularly dry climate, even in summer. But I'll never forget being pregnant with my second baby, sick with the worst cough ever, awake at 2 a.m., breathing into a warm, wet washcloth to soothe my throat. It was the definition of miserable. Fed up and desperate for anything that would help, I ordered a humidifier for my bedroom then and there. Overnight Amazon delivery, yes, please. Now, coming off the peak of a particularly hard and insanely disruptive cold and flu season, I'm running out of reasons to procrastinate purchasing another one that can humidify our main living area. But I found myself wondering, 'Are these really doing anything?' So I did some research to find out. The answer — mostly yes. Here's what I learned. It does ward off viruses, and we're starting to understand why Word on the street is that higher humidity levels can make it harder for viruses to survive, and studies are starting to support this theory. A 2018 study examined air samples from preschool classrooms and samples from hard surfaces in the classrooms. Researchers increased the humidity in some rooms but not others. The rooms that were not humidified experienced twice as many flu cases, and humidity levels between 42% and 45% were found to decrease the presence of the influenza virus. More recent research helped explain this, determining that when there is more moisture in the air, it produces hydrogen peroxide compounds, which are antiviral. This means viruses are more likely to be destroyed once exhaled into the air. Now, if your kid picks up the virus at school or your spouse brings it home from work, they may be out of luck. But if your house is humidified correctly (and you disinfect the heck outta every surface), it may help prevent germs from spreading to the rest of your family. It may help relieve allergy symptoms but don't over humidify either In addition to empowering viruses, low humidity can team up with allergens to make you feel more miserable — not ideal. Dry air can further irritate and dry out the nasal passageways and make it more difficult to soothe inflammation caused by dust and allergens. Conversely, raising humidity levels can help soothe the nasal passageways and a sore throat. When nasal tissue is more moist, it can better clear out allergens. But there's a but. Dust mites, which cause allergies, also thrive in moisture. So it's also important not to over humidify and keep levels between 40% and 50%. This will help prevent mold and other bacteria from thriving as well. It might help with dry skin, but it's best alongside other defenses Not surprisingly, if there is less moisture in the air, there is also less moisture in your skin. This is one area where humidifiers allegedly help, but limited research has been able to strongly connect humidifiers to improvements in dry skin. But we do know that low humidity, cold weather, and dry climates tend to breed dry skin. A 2016 review concluded that low humidity is tough on the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and more vulnerable to atopic dermatitis flare-ups (also known as eczema). So, adding more moisture to your air indoors may give your skin a fighting chance. But don't skip out on gentle exfoliation, lotion, and drinking water. Final verdict While more research is needed, arming your room with a humidifier is one good defense against viruses, especially in the cold winter months when dry air tends to be the weak link between you and getting sick. While not a magic cure-all, it may help reduce the risk of spreading cold, flu, and viruses that cause COVID-19. However, it's also important to clean them properly. As helpful as they can be, their work is undone if bacteria start to grow within them. Then, they may actually become the culprit.


News24
6 days ago
- Health
- News24
Treat colds and flu effectively, without conventional medication
As the seasons change and cold and flu viruses make their rounds, many people seek remedies to ease their symptoms and support recovery. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, they often come with unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are powerful alternatives that not only effectively soothe symptoms but also strengthen the immune system. Among these, elderberry, ivy leaf and essential vitamins and minerals stand out for their scientifically supported benefits. Elderberries Elderberries, the dark purple fruit of the European elder tree, have long been used in traditional herbal medicine to relieve common cold and flu symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and mucus buildup in the respiratory tract. Their popularity is not just rooted in folklore – modern research supports their effectiveness. Studies have shown that elderberries possess a wide range of health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These benefits are attributed to their rich content of biologically active compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. Simply put, when a flu virus enters your body, it needs to latch onto your cells to multiply and spread. These special plant compounds in elderberry can stick to the virus and prevent it from entering cells and multiplying, which may help slow down or reduce the severity of infections. Additionally, elderberries are a good source of essential vitamins such as vitamin C and A, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. Adding to this growing body of evidence, a 2021 review of five controlled trials found that elderberry supplementation may reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms without the side effects often associated with conventional treatments. Ivy leaf Another trusted herbal remedy is ivy leaf. Ivy leaf preparations have a long history of use as a herbal treatment for relieving phlegm buildup and chesty coughs. Scientific studies suggest that ivy leaf cough syrup may improve breathing and reduce cough symptoms in children. Doctors have also reported improved sleep and overall quality of life in children treated with ivy leaf, with minimal side effects. Research in adults with colds has shown that ivy leaf treatment may be helpful to use for relief of symptoms instead of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics. Essential vitamins and minerals Vitamins A, B2, C, D, and the mineral zinc work together to maintain the integrity of the body's physical barriers to infection, such as the skin and respiratory tract linings. These nutrients are also essential for the development and function of immune cells and antibodies. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties help protect the body from infection, and regulate inflammation, making them crucial allies in the fight against seasonal illnesses. While it is always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, incorporating elderberry, ivy leaf and immune-supportive nutrients through supplements and herbal preparations can be an effective way to strengthen your defenses during cold and flu season. These ingredients can also help to manage symptoms gently and effectively, without the side effects and risks associated with other medication, making them suitable for both children and adults.

ABC News
19-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
RSV season ramps up as government examines whether to expand free vaccine access
As winter nears and the cold and flu season sets in, the highly infectious respiratory virus RSV has again begun its spread. So far this year, the National Disease Surveillance System (NDSS) has recorded more than 49,000 cases. More than half of those cases have occurred in New South Wales, but all states and territories have experienced a rise in RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, infections. The RSV season typically occurs from May to September. Since it became a notifiable disease in 2021, a record number of 175,914 RSV cases were recorded by the NDSS in 2024, the highest on record. Pregnant women and some babies can access an RSV vaccine for free through Medicare or state-based programs, but other groups, including older Australians will have to pay. And the cost can be steep. Here's what you need to know about getting vaccinated. RSV is a highly contagious virus that is spread through droplets. You're at risk of contracting RSV when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes near you, where the virus can enter your body through your eyes, mouth or nose. It can also be contracted when you touch a contaminated surface and don't wash your hands before touching your face. Usually, the first symptoms are: These symptoms tend to clear up on their own within a couple of weeks for adults who are in otherwise good health. However, RSV can be serious for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions as it may lead to complications such as pneumonia, which can be life threatening. Yes, and the Australian Immunisation Handbook, put out by the Australian government, recommends RSV vaccines for certain population groups, including: Only pregnant women who are enrolled or eligible for Medicare can currently access the Abrysvo RSV vaccine for free under the federal government's National Immunisation Program. The government's $174.5 million investment kicked off in February 3 this year. Eligible infants and young children can also receive an RSV immunisation called Nirsevimab, also known as Beyfortus, for free through state and territory-funded programs, without the need for Medicare. The vaccine works by directly providing antibodies to the infant, providing immediate protection against RSV for up to six months. While the vaccines for eligible children are free, some providers may charge a service fee for the procedure. To find out more about child immunisations, visit the health website for your state or territory. Everyone else needs to purchase the vaccine, which can come at a steep cost. One Australian pharmacy chain advertises a dose of the Abrysvo RSV vaccine at more than $330. The high price of the vaccine itself, in addition to the cost of seeing a GP to get a prescription and have the injection administered if required, can be cost prohibitive. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advocating for free access to RSV vaccines for everyone recommended by the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Dr Ramya Raman, the RACGP vice-president, said the vaccine had already been a "gamechanger" for the community. Case numbers have fallen since RSV vaccines and the monoclonal antibody were introduced, with 56,303 cases recorded from January to April 2024 compared with 40,380 for the same time period this year, according to data from the NDSS. Dr Raman said the RSV vaccine's proven success at reducing the number of infections and hospitalisations means "we've got to look at this as an opportunity and call for the expansion of it". "Given how common how this condition is and the effectiveness of the vaccinations it would be wonderful to see this within the schedule." This comes in light of the 2024 Annual Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report from the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, which states that older Australians are more likely to die from RSV than younger Australians. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) is in charge of recommending what vaccines be made available for free in Australia. In November last year, the PBAC recommended the free provision of the Abrysvo RSV vaccine be expanded to include all adults over 75 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over 60. But this change to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has yet to occur. A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said: "Other steps need to be completed before a vaccine can be given final approval for NIP listing." "These include negotiations with the relevant pharmaceutical company; finalisation of conditions for listing; quality and availability checks; and final consideration by the government," the spokesperson said. They said the PBAC advised the department that "economic inputs should be revised for Abrysvo to become cost effective before it can be accepted for NIP listing". And while they said the government's considerations and decisions "cannot be pre-empted", they did confirm the department "is currently reviewing the PBAC outcome and is actively working with the vaccine sponsor on next steps". Health authorities recommend maintaining good hygiene practices to limit the spread of the virus. The government-funded service Healthdirect advises people to take the following steps: