The Best Way to Treat the Flu or Cold

Both a cold and the flu can make you feel awful. A cold, a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, can cause sneezing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose and congestion. The flu, short for influenza, is also a viral infection in the respiratory tract and causes many of the same symptoms. However, with the flu, you might also experience fever, aches and pains and a cough that can become severe. Since both infections are viral, antibiotics won't give you a cure. But it's usually easy to treat the symptoms at home.

Medications

• Since both the cold and the flu can cause headaches and sore throats, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used. Remember you should never give aspirin to children since there's a chance it can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious disease which can be fatal.

  For a runny nose and constant sneezing, try an antihistamine. Since this medication can make you sleepy, take it only at night. A decongestant or a nasal spray can help with a stuffy nose. Many people use cough syrup for a persistent cough, but the American College of Chest Physicians say it won't help much. If the cough lasts several weeks, you may have bronchitis and should see your doctor. For a particularly virulent case of flu, your doctor may suggest a prescription antiviral medication.

Alternative Treatments

• Alternative treatments can go a long way toward making you feel better, but most of them do their best work when taken at the beginning of the cold or flu. The Mayo Clinic says taking large amounts of vitamin C doesn't keep you from getting sick, but it may reduce your symptoms if taken when you first start to feel sick. Doctors there also say the same goes for zinc sprays or lozenges.

Fluids

• When you have a cold or the flu, you may not feel like eating. But don't skip drinking plenty of fluids. Water, juice and other clear liquids, such as broth, will keep you hydrated and provide essential nutrients. Chicken soup, your mother's time-honored remedy, actually helps. It can help break up congestion, and doctors at Mount Sinai Medical Center say chicken soup can increase the flow of nasal mucus and help get those germs out of your system quicker.

Other Home Remedies

• Rest is important in your treatment. Dr. Samuel Caughron, a family practitioner in Virginia, says getting off your feet can help fight off complications of the cold or flu. And staying home with a cold or the flu is a good idea since both illnesses are contagious. To break up congestion, try taking a hot, steamy shower or use saline nose drops. If your throat is sore, mix a glass of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and gargle.