How to stay healthy this winter

The best treatments
The common cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing, is usually caused by a rhinovirus, of which there are many in circulation; they are also continually changing and adapting.

The same is true of the noroviruses, which cause gastrointestinal upsets, and flu viruses.

Nothing -- and that includes antibiotics -- will cure a viral infection; antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections.

The best treatment for all three illnesses is bed rest, plenty of fluids, whatever food you can eat and the tincture of time.

Our pharmacist expert, Leslie Braden of Pharma Plus Drugmarts in Barrie, Ont., also suggests using a cool-air mist humidifier in the sickroom. The large water molecules it releases into the air will help relieve the congestion associated with the common cold. And while over-the-counter cough syrups, decongestants and fever reducers (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen) won't cure what ails you, they can help relieve the symptoms of a cold and make you more comfortable, says Braden. Always "check with your family physician or pharmacist before giving any medication to a child under two years of age," she says. "And tell your pharmacist what other medications the ill person is taking. This includes any natural or herbal remedies." Natural does not mean something is safe or is without the potential to interact with other medications.

As for the so-called natural remedies many people turn to at this time of year, the consensus of the medical community is that there is not yet sufficient widely accepted scientific evidence that they prevent colds or flu or significantly reduce the severity of symptoms associated with them.

"I wish there were a magic remedy for colds and flu," says Lim. "No doubt many traditional products have potent effects. But there are not a lot of large, controlled, randomized studies that offer proof that these products have a demonstrable effect on health. The placebo effect plays some role. Especially if you want them to work."

If you still believe, click here to see popular alternative flu and cold treatments.

How to read your symptoms
While viruses cause flu, colds and gastrointestinal (GI) infections, the symptoms of each illness are different. With the flu, you'll experience a high fever, extreme fatigue, aching joints and myalgia (muscle pain). You'll feel these effects throughout your entire body. It's common for the flu to lay you low for a week or more, and its effects may linger for an additional week or two.

With the common cold, the centre of action is the upper respiratory system. A sore throat, runny nose and lots of congestion in your chest will leave you feeling like a crash test dummy. But you won't have the high fever and body aches that come with the flu. Typically, the worst of a cold is over within 72 to 96 hours. However, some colds can persist at a low level for as long as a couple of weeks. "I've had a cold last for a month," says Lim. "It's nothing to worry about."

As for a norovirus GI infection, common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Symptoms also may include fever and stomach cramps. Severe illness or hospitalization is uncommon, and most infected individuals recover in two to three days.