Cold Vs. Flu Treatments

While both a cold and the flu may share similar symptoms, the flu is generally considered the more severe of the two illnesses. Both are caused by viruses, however, the flu can result in more severe and sometimes deadly symptoms, such as pneumonia or a bacterial infection if left untreated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there is no cure for either condition, certain treatment methods can minimize symptoms and speed recovery time.

Symptom Differences

• Before determining the best cold and flu treatments, it is important to know if you are treating a cold or the flu. Consider the following differences between the two conditions:

  Cold:
  Slow in developing
  Mild to no fever
  Mild fatigue
  Normal appetite
  Mild cough

  Flu:
  Quick to onset
  High fever
  Severe fatigue
  Achy muscles
  Chills

At-Home Treatment Methods: A Cold

• The instant you feel cold symptoms, such as sniffling, sneezing or mild coughing, develop, begin consuming more liquids, particularly orange juice that is high in antioxidant-boosting vitamin C. Keep in mind that the first 48 hours of a cold are when the virus replicates the most, so it's important to employ treatment methods as quickly as possible, according to David Rakel, M.D., contact for ABC News.

  Other standard treatment methods include bed rest and comforting foods, such as chicken broth or soup.

At-Home Treatment Methods: The Flu

• Flu sufferers frequently experience more significant sinus congestion than their cold-suffering counterparts. Lynne Shinto, N.D., a neuropathic physician and contact for ABC News, recommends a method to boost the immune system and clear the sinuses, which involves putting the feet in hot (but not scalding) water for three minutes, then sticking the feet in ice water for 30 seconds. Repeat this three times.

  Another method to fight congestion includes using steam to clear the airways. You can use your shower to create steam. Sit in the bathroom for five to 10 minutes to allow the steam to enter the airways and clear some of the buildup within. While some people may use humidifiers, these can build up with mold and other bacteria, so a hot shower may be preferred, according to HealthCentral.com.

  While these may help relieve severe congestion symptoms, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids will also help.

Medications: A Cold

• Many medications exist to treat cold symptoms; which one you use depends on the types of symptoms you may be experiencing.

  For congestion, stuffy nose or nasal discharge, a decongestant may be used to break up mucus and clear your airways.

  For sneezing, itching or watery eyes, antihistamines are helpful in preventing symptom-causing histamines from binding with cells and causing symptoms.

  No antiviral or antibiotic medications are recommended with cold medications.

Medications: The Flu

• The Food and Drug Administration has approved Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, to treat the flu virus. Tamiflu works to prevent the further multiplication of influenza viruses and must be taken within 48 hours of the flu's onset to reduce the amount of time one feels ill. This medication is also useful for those who have been exposed to someone with the flu in an attempt to prevent the flu's onset.

  In addition to Tamiflu, flu sufferers should take a fever reducer, such as ibuprofen, to reduce the severe and body aches that accompany the flu. Over-the-counter medications useful for colds, such as antihistamines and decongestants, also may be helpful in treating the flu.