Colds and the flu: Symptoms and treatment

As for over-the-counter cold medications, they have their place – just don't overdo it. "I don't advocate taking remedies that are just designed to get rid of symptoms," says Bitting, especially since masking the symptoms often encourages people to push too hard when they should be resting and recuperating. However, she adds, "if you have to take something to help you sleep, do so."

Marion suggests cough syrups with dextromethorphan (DM) to suppress night coughs, if they're interfering with sleep, but notes that "cough is a protective mechanism trying to rid the body of some irritant" – meaning don't overdo the cough syrup. Nasal decongestants can relieve a stuffy nose, she adds, but for adults and teens only – "they may not be beneficial in kids less than 12," she says – and make sure to avoid them if you have high blood pressure. Plus, she says, "spray nasal decongestants should not be used for more than three to five days because rebound nasal congestion can occur." Painkillers can relieve fever, muscle aches and pains and headaches, but Marion cautions that you should be careful not to exceed recommended doses, as many OTC cough and cold medications also contain painkillers.

Fever: good or bad?
"A mild fever," says Bitting, "is an important part of recovery, especially in adults." It's a part of your body's immune response, helping fight off the infection faster, and isn't something to necessarily be concerned about in a healthy adult. Marion adds that if a mild fever is causing discomfort, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce it, but that "there is no compelling need to do that." High or persistent fevers, however, should be evaluated by a physician.

Don't share your symptoms
Marion stresses the importance of trying not to spread your illness, not only by staying at home as much as possible but also by taking a few precautionary measures:

• Avoid hand contact with others, especially after coughing or blowing your nose
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose
• Wash your hands often
• Cough or sneeze into tissues (or your sleeved elbow), and throw tissues in the garbage
• Be especially careful to avoid vulnerable populations: the elderly, people living in a chronic care or long-term care facility, children and adults with chronic heart or lung conditions, cancer or immunodeficiency

Do you need to go to the doctor?
There's no need to go to the doctor for help curing a cold or flu itself, says Bitting – your immune system will do all the work, and remember that antibiotics won't do anything for a virus. It's secondary infections and complications that can be problematic, especially in high-risk populations. When it comes to your kids, speak to your doctor about when to bring them in when they've got a cold or the flu. And for healthy adults, Marion suggests visiting your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Purulent sputum (sputum containing pus)
• Wheezing
• High or persistent fever: more than 38.5C for more than 24 hours
• Severe headache or neck pain
• Severe throat pain

Above all, your symptoms should be getting better – if after three to five days you feel like you're getting worse, there may be something wrong.

Lessen your risk of a repeat
"Prevention of flu is the key," says Marion. "When you have recovered from your bout of flu, vow to yourself that next fall you will get the flu vaccine." If enough people get immunized each year, she adds, unvaccinated people are less likely to get sick as well, as there will be less infected people to come in contact with.

When it comes to colds, "at present there is no magic bullet," Marion says. She stresses good hand-washing and avoiding close contact with infected people as important, as well as a healthy lifestyle at all times. "Getting enough sleep each night, eating nutritiously, getting regular exercise and having healthy emotional relationships all go a long way to keeping one's immune system healthy."

Learn about the foods that will keep your immune system strong.

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