What foods should you eat when you have a cold or flu?

Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on December 16, 2024
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For patients with typhoid and common cold, their diet should mainly consist of light and easily digestible foods, and they can eat more millet, rice, fish, chicken, and shrimp, which can promote the absorption of calcium and help speed up the healing of typhoid and common cold. It is advised to avoid raw and irritating foods to prevent worsening the condition. It's recommended to drink more water and urinate frequently to effectively speed up the healing of the cold. If the condition is serious, it is essential to go to a standard hospital promptly. Follow the doctor's guidance for symptomatic treatment and pay attention to rest, avoid overworking, and do not stay up late.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old

The symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old are definitely different from those in adults. Parents should observe whether the baby's behavior has changed. For example, if the baby becomes noticeably fussy or irritable, especially while sleeping, or if the baby has nasal congestion, a runny nose, or sneezing, these could be signs. Also, if the baby drools bubbles at the corners of the mouth while sleeping quietly, breathes noticeably faster, vomits milk after feeding more frequently than usual, or if there is an increase in the frequency and looseness of stools and bloating, these may indicate a cold. If cold symptoms appear, please seek medical attention promptly, as babies have weaker immune systems and their conditions can progress quickly. Without timely intervention, it is easy for the condition to develop into pneumonia.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can I eat oranges if I have a cold in the summer?

Colds that occur in the summer are generally more often heat-induced colds. Symptoms of heat-induced colds typically include fever, headache, or overall fatigue, along with chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing among other clinical symptoms. It is generally not recommended for patients with such colds to eat oranges. Oranges are highly nutritious, containing a large amount of Vitamin C and some B vitamins. However, oranges can cause "internal heat," and eating too many oranges may exacerbate symptoms like sore throat. Therefore, it is generally advised not to eat oranges when one has a cold during summer. If one really wants to eat oranges, consuming a small amount, just a few segments, is acceptable.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Is soaking feet and sweating good for a cold?

Soaking your feet and sweating is beneficial for a cold because there are many acupoints on the soles of the feet. Hot water can stimulate these acupoints after soaking your feet, promote blood circulation, and accelerate the speed of blood circulation in the body, which can cause the whole body to heat up and sweat. Therefore, foot soaking can have a very good therapeutic effect on colds, and sweating can remove toxins from the body, which can be expelled through the sweat on the skin surface, effectively speeding up the recovery from a cold. Therefore, it is advisable to persist in soaking your feet every night. It is also recommended to pay more attention to your diet in daily life, avoid eating spicy and stimulating food, and abstain from smoking and alcohol, which will help in recovery.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is it normal for a baby to urinate less when they have a cold?

If a baby catches a cold, it might affect their gastrointestinal function, followed by a noticeable decrease in milk intake. Furthermore, if the baby is uncomfortable, they may become fussy and cry more than usual, which can lead to increased insensible water loss. In such cases, the baby with a cold might experience less frequent urination. This is generally considered normal. However, if the baby's urination decreases but their milk intake and other conditions are stable, parents should check for swelling in the eyelids or lower limbs. If swelling occurs, it is definitely abnormal, and medical attention should be sought promptly. The doctor will conduct specific examinations based on the baby's condition and decide if treatment is necessary.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have a cold with headache and fever?

When experiencing symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever, one should first measure their body temperature and adopt corresponding treatment measures based on the severity of the fever. Fever can cause headaches, fatigue, body aches, and may even lead to complications like nausea and vomiting. If the body temperature does not exceed 38℃ (100.4°F), one can take vitamin supplements, drink ginger tea, and use physical methods to reduce fever. If the body temperature is above 38℃ (100.4°F), one may consider taking antipyretic and pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen or aspirin to alleviate symptoms. Generally, once the body temperature returns to normal, headache symptoms will gradually improve or disappear. (The use of medications should be based on specific conditions and under the guidance of a doctor.)