What to eat for a cold or flu

Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on March 01, 2025
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Patients with colds should always pay attention to keeping warm and not catching cold, so as not to worsen the condition. Usually, they can take some cold medicines, which can clear heat and detoxify. If the condition is severe, it is recommended to take medication under the guidance of a doctor. Normally, drinking more water and urinating frequently can effectively expel some viruses from the body through urine, alleviating the symptoms of a cold. In terms of diet, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and green vegetables, can effectively improve symptoms. Also, spending more time in the sun can help increase the body's immunity.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Treatment for sore throat caused by a cold

To treat a sore throat from a cold, the main principle is to choose sensitive antibiotics or antiviral medications, in combination with medications that clear the lungs and benefit the throat for symptomatic treatment. One should first observe whether there are hypertrophic lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall, whether the tonsils are hypertrophied and enlarged, and whether there are diseases such as herpetic pharyngotonsillitis. If it is due to an acute exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, one can choose to take macrolide antibiotics, combined with medications such as throat pills and pharyngitis tablets. Nebulization inhalation can also be adopted, which acts like a local treatment and can have a more direct effect.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Does Yin deficiency make one prone to catching a cold?

Patients with Yin deficiency are prone to catching colds. However, generally speaking, it does not cause colds. It might be that some individual patients are prone to colds, so it varies from person to person, and there is no specific situation. Yin deficiency mainly causes physical weakness, poor health, and reduced immunity, which can then easily lead to colds and other symptoms. Therefore, if Yin deficiency occurs, it is crucial to treat it promptly with medication and also to eat more foods that nourish Yin and supplement Yang in the diet.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold and my ears are itchy?

Having a cold accompanied by itchy ears may be due to congestion of varying degrees in the nasal mucosa and the middle ear canal following an upper respiratory tract infection. This condition can worsen when the patient blows their nose or if there is a concurrent bacterial infection, sometimes even leading to otitis media. Therefore, in such cases, patients might experience varying degrees of discharge and itching in the ear canal. It is crucial first to identify the specific pathogen causing the cold and treat it with the appropriate anti-infection or antiviral medications. Once the inflammation is effectively controlled, the symptoms of itchy ears can also be alleviated promptly and effectively.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How many days does it take to recover from a cold caused by wind-cold?

Patients with a common cold due to wind-cold usually improve within about 3 to 7 days under normal conditions. The most severe period is the first 1 to 2 days, during which symptoms such as severe coughing and a runny nose are more pronounced. It is recommended to always pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting chilled to prevent worsening the condition. If the cold is severe, it is crucial to go to a formal hospital in time and treat the symptoms based on the doctor's guidance. Additionally, one can use some anti-inflammatory and wind-cold fighting medicines for effective treatment, which can help improve the cold and hasten the healing process.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to take care of a baby with a cold

When a baby has a cold, it indicates that the baby has an acute upper respiratory infection. Over 90% of colds are caused by viral infections, and 10% are caused by bacterial infections. When a child catches a cold, in addition to administering medication, nursing care is very important. First, the child should be allowed to rest, sleep more, drink plenty of plain water, and avoid vigorous activities. It is important to monitor the child's temperature and promptly manage any symptoms if the child develops a fever. Additionally, ensure that the child's diet is light and easy to digest; it's better to drink more soups and avoid fatty meats or sweets. Also, under the guidance of a doctor, administer symptomatic medications to the child, and always follow the instructions carefully when using medications to avoid taking too much or too little, as either can be inappropriate.