A Guide to Feeling Better Faster When You Have a Cold or the Flu

The biggest key factor in recovering from the cold or flu is determining which one it is that you have. If you have a cold, it's not nearly as serious as the flu. Many people don't realize just how serious the flu is. Many people die each year from the flu- and for the elderly, newborn babies and those with chronic illnesses or other medical conditions, the flu and everything that comes with it can be life threatening. That is precisely why it's important to know whether you have a simple cold or the flu.

The cold is pretty harmless; however, it can still be miserable. There are several basics in determining which illness you have and what can make you feel better faster. There are also several tips for keeping yourself out of the cold and flu's way all year long.

When you are sick with either the cold or the flu it's important that you treat it as if they were both the same. Meaning, that you should, in either case, drink plenty of clear fluids; also keeping away from caffeine as it deprives your body of fluids. If you aren't too hungry try the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Tea. These are good foods/drinks when you have the flu and are easily ingested and tolerated. You should try to get a little down if you can. However if you feel like eating much more, than do so!

There are various ways to sooth a sore throat. You could go to the store and get sprays and lozenges, or you could try some chicken soup/chicken broth. Chicken soup/chicken broth is a good way to clear out nasal passages and it's another way of getting fluids into your body. You want to stay hydrated.

When buying over the counter products, make sure to read the label. Buy products that match your symptoms and be sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or other medical condition.

If you want to relieve pain and fever stay pick one that matches your symptoms. If you have fever, aches, pains, sinus pressure and/or sore throat, look for products with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Also remember that kids (18 and younger) should never take aspirin because of the possibility of Reye's syndrome.

If you are feeling congested you will probably want to try a decongestant such as Sudafed. It makes breathing much easier. If your nose is congested you could also try a nasal spray. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

For keeping a cough at ease you can try water and fruit juices to sooth your throat. They will moisten and thin mucus so that it can be coughed up easier. You can also make a soothing cough syrup yourself by mixing one part lemon juice with two parts honey; use as often as you need. You could also use expectorants that contain guaifenesin to help break up mucus, making it easier to cough up.

These are all things you can do to help yourself to feel better when you have the cold or flu. But remember, there are a few signs to watch out for that indicate a trip to the doctor. If you have any trouble breathing, have a persistent fever, have a severe headache, can't keep fluids down, persistent coughing, painful swallowing or persistent congestion and headaches you need to get to the doctor. These are all signs that there is something more going on and that you need to be treated right away.