Recently the CDC issued recommendations to reduce antibiotic use. Here are some of the new recommendations, and natural suggestions to mitigate symptoms and eliminate illness.
New guidelines on antibiotic use, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommend antibiotic use only with specific infections such as:
- Pneumonia - Patients with uncomplicated bronchitis should not receive antibiotics unless they have pneumonia; The CDC recommends treatment of Symptoms with cough suppressants, expectorants, antihistamines and decongestants.
- Group A strep - If strep is positive by culture and clinical symptoms such as persistent fevers, anterior cervical adenitis, and tonsillopharyngeal exudates or other appropriate combination of symptoms.
- Rhinosinusitis lasting more than 10 days WITH severe symptoms or signs of high fever and purulent nasal discharge or facial pain lasting for at least 3 consecutive days.
Individuals SHOULD NOT receive antibiotics for:
- The common cold
- Otitis media
- Uncomplicated bronchitis
- Typical sore throats
- Typical sinusitis
They do not improve symptoms, these symptoms generally improve with supportive care.
The CDC states "Reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing will improve quality of care, decrease health care costs, and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics."
Try these treatments, treat fevers with “wet socks”
This treatment works by enhancing the body’s immune system. The body reacts to the cold socks by increasing circulation, which also stimulates the immune system. Stimulating the immune system, with the cold socks, systemically enhances the entire system, and enhances the battle against the nasty virus or condition, minimizing the suffering and length of the condition.
Magic socks can be used to treat sore throat, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, chest colds and sinus infections. Magic socks do not interact with medications or other treatment modalities.
It’s best to start the wet sock treatment on first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row, if symptoms are still present. People with chronic conditions or a compromised immune system should consult with a doctor before starting the wet sock treatment. After one night of magic socks, in the morning your socks will be dry and your symptoms gone.
Magic Socks Recipe
Supplies:
- 1 pair of cotton socks-preferably white
- 1 pair of thick wool socks
- Cold water
Directions:
- Soak the cotton socks in cold water. Wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
- Make sure feet are warm before application of cold socks. This is very important for the effectiveness of the treatment. It could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first.
- Place cold wet socks on feet. Then cover with thick wool socks.
- Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.
- Wear the socks overnight. During the night, you may wake up sweaty. If so, change into dry pajamas, but leave on the socks.
- Cotton socks will be dry in the morning.
Boost immune system with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a great immune system enhancer! It shortens the duration and intensity of colds when taken at the beginning of an illness or preventative all year long
Vitamin D is found in large amounts in foods fortified with it, fatty, deep sea fishes, orange juice, but mostly humans get vitamin D from the sun. Research shows that the form Vitamin D3 is the best absorbed in the human body.
Dairy Elimination and Sugar Elimination
Taking dairy out of the diet when ill enhances the immune system, and reduces mucus production which causes coughs and congestion.
Remove dairy for 2 weeks at the onset of a cold and reduce symptoms quick. One of the biggest contributors to otitis media in kids is dairy products that cause congestion and subsequent infection in a child’s ear.
Sugar stops the immune boosting cells in the body to stop working. Taking sugar out of the diet while ill shortens recovery time.