A PERSONALLY TESTED CURE FOR COLDS AND FLU

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Williard Olney offers MOTHER'S readers...

My "good idea" batting average over the past 60-odd years is well under 500, but I want to take this opportunity to share one of my brainstorms. I've found a way to cure colds or flu ... and it works so well that I haven't had either of those illnesses since 1963.

However, let me qualify that somewhat shocking statement with an explanation: I've caught my share of cold and influenza infections in the past 16 years, but I've always been able to stop the attacks at the first-day stage and be back on my feet the following day.

I suppose I should also—at this pointadd a disclaimer to get me off—any lurking legal hooks. Therefore: What follows is an account of what I have done and continue to do, in the belief that it stops my colds and flu ... but my story is not to be taken as medical advice. OK?

THE BATTLE BEGINS

What happens when you're invaded by those viral organisms that cause colds and flu? First, you become aware that all is not right with your body. Perhaps your joints begin to ache a bit, and you may sneeze and feel chilly. (My own "cold test" is to roll my eyes far to one side ... if it hurts a little, I know the aches and other symptoms will soon follow,)

In earlier times you might have been given lemon juice and honey ... or any number of other remedies, most of which did no good whatever.

Nowadays—if you're like most folksyou ingest enough aspirin to keep your temperature down (and the drug companies' profits up).

Finally, If you become sick enough or run out of aspirin, you'll develop a fever, And, after that, you'll probably gradually improve to a semblance of your normal state of health ... ready to battle the next attack when it comes.

THE LIGHT DAWNS

Sometime during 1963 1 read a magazine article describing the life cycle of the viruses which cause colds and flu. I learned that a virus attaches itself to a red blood cell, squirts itself inside, and uses the cell's "machinery" to make about 200 duplicates of itself ... each of which sallies forth—in search of another cell—to repeat the cycle. This reproductive process only takes about 30 minutes.

It's the speed of this viral duplication that gives us symptoms so quickly, because—despite the rapid rate at which our marrow and liver constantly pour new red cells into the blood—the virus destroys cells faster than our bodies can produce them. With the lowering of the number of red cells, oxygen transport is impaired, and we begin to notice the muscular aches and pains that typically accompany the flu.

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