Cold and Flu Center
General OverviewBoth the cold and the flu (influenza) are viral upper respiratory infections. There are over 200 different viruses known to be responsible for the common cold, whereas there are two main types of influenza virus. Click here to read up on the basics of cold and flu: InDepthDiagnostic and Surgical ProceduresLiving With Cold and FluIs it a cold? Or is it the flu? And what do you do? Before you attempt to treat your condition, step back, consider your symptoms, and figure out if you have a cold, a flu, or both. Preventing Cold and FluEchinacea: nature's cold fighter? Many people who become interested in herbs and natural remedies began with an introduction to echinacea, an herbal remedy commonly used for treating colds. Does it really work? |
Preventing Cold and Flu (Continued)How to wash your hands properly Believe it or not, one of the best, not to mention easiest, ways to avoid a cold is to wash your hands frequently, especially after time spent in highly-trafficked public spaces. Special TopicsBesides a shot: other ways to fight the flu Aside from receiving the vaccine, there are several other steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the flu. For example, learn how antiviral medications can both prevent and treat the flu.
Fighting the flu with antiviral drugs
But what if you end up with the flu? You may need to take prescription antiviral medicines if you are at high-risk for complications. Related ConditionsNatural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition) |
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.flu.gov/
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
