The Immunity Challenge
A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system caused by one of about 200 viruses.1,5 The flu is also an upper respiratory illness caused by one of several specific flu viruses.6 Given all these different sources, it’s no wonder we don’t have a remedy for common cold—or flu. Instead, it’s up to your immune system to help fight back.
How a Virus “Thinks”
The immune system is designed to monitor, recognize, and even remember the virus and take action to eliminate it, when a virus invades healthy cells. The immune system does this by releasing chemicals that trigger virus-fighting cells—which are then sent to wipe out the enemy.7
How Your Body Fights Back Against Cold and Flu Viruses
While the immune system is hard at work fighting off offending viruses, the body experiences infections in different ways. Many symptoms of cold and flu are the result of the immune system trying to fight the infection.5 For example, chemicals released by the body’s cells may elevate body temperature, i.e., you get a fever.8
Making Sense of Your Flu Symptoms
Cold and flu symptoms aren’t just annoyances that can often keep you on the couch all day. They actually indicate what your immune system is doing to fight off the infection.
- Runny Nose/Nasal Congestion—A runny nose helps wash germs from the nose and sinuses.9
- Coughing and Sneezing—Within a few days of a viral infection, the fluid from a runny nose may change color from clear to yellow to green.4 Mucus is designed to trap offending viruses, which are efficiently and quickly expelled from the body through coughing and sneezing.8
- Fever—Fevers fight influenza viruses. Because viruses are sensitive to temperature changes and cannot survive above normal body heat, your body uses fever to help destroy them.8
- Muscle Aches and Pain—You may experience sore muscles with the flu as it is also a product of your body’s immune response. The immune system pulls protein from muscles, leaving your muscles achy.5
Finding Relief
When you need cold and flu remedy, use Vicks® products to treat and relieve your specific symptoms to help you feel better. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find the medicine that is appropriate for you. Be sure to read each label and use each product as directed.
Staying Positive
Keep smiling, even when you’re feeling down. Researchers have found that a positive attitude with a general attitude of vigor is associated with less severe symptoms.1
FAQs
The immune system is designed to monitor, recognize, and even remember the virus and take action to eliminate it, when a virus invades healthy cells. The immune system does this by releasing chemicals that trigger virus-fighting cells—which are then sent to wipe out the enemy.
How does your body fight a cold or flu? ›
At any sign of infection, your cells raise the alarm by sending out cytokines messages about the common cold virus setting up shop. Your white blood cells, vessels and brain all read these memos, and focus on the affected areas to shut down the virus immediately.
Does a strong immune system ward off colds and flu? ›
Having a healthy immune system could help you fight off the flu virus and other bugs if you are exposed, said Libby Richards, an associate professor of nursing who specializes in public health in Purdue University's School of Nursing.
What are the 5 stages of cold? ›
In such cases, it can take 14 days or more to fully recover. When infection occurs, a cold goes through four characteristic stages: incubation, early symptoms, peak symptoms, and recovery. As there is no cure for the common cold, treatment is focused on rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
How does your body get rid of cold virus? ›
The immune system is designed to monitor, recognize, and even remember the virus and take action to eliminate it, when a virus invades healthy cells. The immune system does this by releasing chemicals that trigger virus-fighting cells—which are then sent to wipe out the enemy.
What kills the flu virus in the body? ›
But if you have a severe infection or are at higher risk of complications, your healthcare professional may prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat the flu. These medicines can include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), baloxavir (Xofluza) and zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir and baloxavir are taken by mouth.
What are signs of a strong immune system? ›
Signs of a strong immune system
People with a strong immune system are more likely to recover quickly from an injury or illness, feel less fatigue and have good gut health.
How to build immunity against flu? ›
Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, build immunity against specific diseases. Some additional ways you can strengthen your immune system are eating well, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
What foods boost your immune system? ›
Yogurt, Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles, Tempeh (Fermented Soybeans), and certain types of cheese contain live cultures, also known as probiotics, which are thought to help stimulate the immune system to fight off disease.
What does your body need to fight a cold? ›
Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse. Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
Your nose and throat get inflamed and make a lot of mucus. With so much of your energy directed at fighting the cold virus, you're left feeling tired and miserable.
How does the body defend itself against infection? ›
One of the most important players in our immune systems is the white blood cell, also called a leukocyte. Leukocytes patrol the blood and tissues throughout the body in search of intruders. When they detect a foreign substance, they send out signals and launch an immune attack.
Why does the body get cold when sick? ›
Chills (shivering) may occur at the start of an infection. They are most often associated with a fever. Chills are caused by rapid muscle contraction and relaxation. They are the body's way of producing heat when it feels cold.
