By Madelyn Lipszyc

A cold or flu can be uncomfortable, untimely and bring on the feeling of sluggishness. Dealing with a cold or flu in this condition may feel monumental, because motivation is unavailable. Even worse, dealing with the environment around you is the last thing on your mind, so it becomes neglected; consumed with tissues, plastic medicine bottles, and unwashed dishes. To aid in managing, here are some green suggestions to help nurse that bug and green up your surroundings.

Many different types of viruses can cause a cold and flu. The most common are the rhinovirus and the corona virus. Many adults, on average may get two to four colds a year, however, children can get up to twelve colds in a year, usually between autumn and spring.

How do you know when you have a cold? The cold virus grows in the soft, warm surfaces of your nose, throat and airways, the areas where symptoms are most common. Cold and flu symptoms are very recognizable and usually include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headache, slight fever and tiredness, all of which may last for about a week.

As a virus and not an infection, the most effective way to fight a cold or flu is to let nature take its course. The tips we hear all too often are truisms for a reason: get plenty of rest, drink sugar-free or reduced-sugar fluids to prevent dehydration, and pop some key edibles such as Vitamin C, soup, garlic, spicy food, peppermint tea and Echinacea. These natural ingredients will ease the distressing symptoms of a virus. As a general rule, if a cold or flu persists for more than a week or two, seek medical attention.

According to the World Health Organization, the new virus A(H1N1), also known as swine flu or super-flu, is a person-to-person virus that is transferred "by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces." It has many of the same symptoms and patterns as a regular flu, but as a pandemic, it is important to be more serious about enforcing tips, and prevention. The groups most at risk are the elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with a serious injury, health problem or disease. Although it is still a flu that everyone should try their best to avoid. How can I protect myself from H1N1? Prevention for H1N1 is similar to that of cold and flu prevention. By adopting proper sanitation practices, avoiding crowds and implementing healthy habits, you can lessen your chances of getting it.

If symptoms like chills, fever, headache, muscle/joint pain and cough occur, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, open windows, rest and stay away from friends, family, school and work. If breathing becomes difficult, chest pain occurs, bluish or grey skin colour, bloody or coloured mucus, sudden dizziness or confusion, severe vomiting, or fever persist for more than 3 days, seek medical attention.

There is now a vaccine called Tamiflu, available for Canadians. Many doctors support the vaccine saying that it will boost immune systems and be a good preventative measure especially for those most at risk. However, there is lot of controversy surrounding the vaccine, as it is so new, some doctors and figures in the media are saying it could potentially have some side effects like brain damage, and it lacks long term research. As well, there are some bad side effects for Tamiflu, especially with children such as bronchitis, ear inflammation, and exacerbation of asthma.

There are many natural herbs that can greatly improve the immune system and have been used for many years to prevent illness: Tulsi, Pulsatilla, Mercurius, Silicea, Star Anise, black elderberry and vitamin D3. If unsure, ask your local homoeopathist for help. Researching online, read reviews by people who have taken the herbs themselves, and decide what is best for you, keeping in mind that each body responds differently to drugs and vaccines.

Regarding the super-flu virus, make sure to take vitamins to keep the immune system healthy, and try to stay out of crowded or enclosed places. It is also a good idea to wash your hands regularly, exercise, stay hydrated, resist sharing food and drinks, and avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth. It is possible to be environmentally friendly this cold and flu season!

As if it wasn't bad enough, pollution makes a cold worse, according to the July issue of The Environmental Health Perspectives journal. Some great primary tips to assist in cold prevention include staying away from polluted areas, hand-washing and disinfecting often, and using an organic cloth handkerchief.

Recently, Greenpeace launched and conquered a whistle blowing campaign against Kleenex - angered at such practices as clear cutting Canadian Boreal forests, using chemicals like chlorine and obliterating roughly 300 million tons per year of virgin tree fiber. Kimberly-Clark, the largest producer of tissue on earth, owns the Kleenex, Scott, Viva, Cottonelle, Kotex and Huggies brands. According to the Greenpeace website, Kimberley-Clark's products "contained no recycled fiber at all." Fortunately, they have agreed to "obtain 100 percent of the wood fiber for future Kleenex from environmentally responsible sources, increase use of FSC-certified pulp and recycled fiber for North American tissue products, reduce the use of non-FSC certified pulp from the Boreal Forest to zero by 2011, and prevent all K-C products from ever being made from Endangered Forests."

While Kimberly-Clark struggles to reorganize its business to a more sustainable one, there are other alternatives available now. According to the US Recycled Tissue Guide, some environmentally friendly brands of facial tissue that you can get online or at your local supermarket are:

• Green Forest
• 365
• Natural Value
• Seventh Generation

Ideally, tissue should be PCF (processed chlorine free), to withhold polluting the environment, and disallow harmful chemicals to come into contact with our skin and senses. The epitome of sustainability is the idea that 0 new trees need be used and that no harmful chemicals need be used on products that people use every day. Using tissue brands made with 100% recycled post-consumer waste reduces trash sent to landfills and encourages sustainability.

Alternatively, you can eliminate facial tissues altogether. Reusing washable handkerchiefs or applying a warm washcloth to the face is an even better way to deal with the problems brought on by a cold. Some people even use netti pots as a preventative measure to flush out the nose and cleanse any bacteria from nasal passages; it is reusable as well.

Next on the list of cold remedies and essentials is the cold/cough/fever - syrup, pills, and anything-that-will-make-this-go-away medicine, no matter what the package or bag it comes in. Some of these over-the-counter medicines are expensive, not manufactured in packaging with any sustainable ingredients, or plant-based inks, although, they can be helpful for some people, helping to unclog sinuses, or ease fever. If you do take over the counter or prescription medicine, check the packaging to see if you can recycle it. Left over pills and fluids should not be thrown out in the trash or flushed down the toilet. When you are ready to dispose of them, take them to your local household hazardous collection center. Ultimately though, the top cold-combaters are those that are the most natural because they are easiest to attain right at home and are friendlier to the environment.

When drinking fluids or eating, buy products in bulk with less packaging, and buy recyclable containers instead of smaller individual throwaway ones. This way you save on the costs as well as reduce the amount of trash you throw away.

The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.