If you get a cold or the flu:

• Keep it to yourself! You are most likely to pass the virus on to someone else the first few days of having a cold or flu. Stay away from others, wash your hands regularly, and sneeze into tissues - which must be disposed of without passing on the infection, as they are covered in active viruses!
• Rest as much as possible. This helps your body to combat viruses.
• Increase fluid intake. Fluids help keep your mucus more liquid and easier to clear out. Juices, tea, ginger ale, soups, water, etc., are all helpful. Avoid large quantities of alcohol.
• Increase humidity in your room with a humidifier or vaporizer. Humidity helps decrease the dryness of your respiratory membranes and also helps to thin your mucus (phlegm). Hot, steamy showers may give temporary relief of nasal and chest congestion.
• Use medications appropriately. Below is a list of medications and how they affect the cold or flu.
  
  

  ANTIBIOTICS

  Antibiotics (such as penicillin) have no beneficial treatment effects on the viruses that cause the cold or flu. Some people still do not realize that antibiotics cannot help colds or the flu. In fact, antibiotics have potentially serious side effects which can actually create other illnesses. Since antibiotics have no benefits for colds or the flu, the money spent for them is wasted. In summary, antibiotics should not be taken for treatment of the common cold or for the flu.
  

  COMBINATION COLD MEDICINES

  Due to the frequency and global discomfort of the common cold or flu, MANY PRODUCTS have been developed to "cure," "treat," or provide relief from colds and flu. The various combination cold medicines contain several different drugs targeted for different symptoms. The financial rewards can be great for those people selling such products. Unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence to support the beliefs that real benefits can be achieved from many of the products. They may contain drugs for symptoms you do not have, besides being costly. Combination medicines are usually not recommended by medical specialists.
  

  DECONGESTANTS

  (for congestion, stuffy nose, plugged ears) Oral decongestants can help shrink swollen membranes in your nose, sinuses and ear. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) may be purchased without a prescription. Follow the directions for use on the package. Nasal sprays or drops are not generally recommended because use for more than 2-3 days may lead to a "rebound" effect causing increased nasal congestion.
  

  ANTIHISTAMINES

  Antihistamines are not recommended for relief of cold symptoms or the flu caused by viruses. They are used for symptoms caused by allergies. Antihistamines often cause drowsiness and compromise your ability to concentrate or stay alert. When combined with even small amounts of alcohol, antihistamines can cause rapid and pronounced sleep.
  

  COUGH MEDICINES

  A cough associated with a common cold or the flu is one of nature's techniques to help rid the body of secretions caused by the cold or flu. It is usually helped by sucking hard candy, drinking hot liquids and using steam inhalation. Cough syrups to help remove secretions contain Guaifenesin and those to suppress coughs contain Dextromethorphan. Follow the directions on all products used.
  

  FEVER, MUSCLE ACHE MEDICINES

  For fevers and muscle aches that accompany a cold or flu, ibuprofen (Advil or Nuprin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used. The use of aspirin during viral illnesses is associated with a small risk of the development of Reye's Syndrome in young people. Follow directions for use on all products used.
  

  SORE THROAT MEDICINES

  Drinking hot liquids and sucking on hard candies may help. A homemade solution of one teaspoon salt dissolved in a glass of warm water may be gargled every 3-4 hours. Throat lozenges (Cepacol) and throat sprays (Chloraseptic) provide temporary relief.
  

  
  In most cases, colds and flu run their course without the need for professional medical intervention. In fact, there is little that a physician can offer that is different from the information outlined for you above. In some cases symptoms may be due to something other than the common cold or the flu.

  Guidelines to seek professional help:

  1) Any fever greater than 101 degrees F persisting more than 3 days.
  2) An oral temperature above 103 degrees F.
  3) If you have a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, unusual susceptibility to serious infection.
  4) Shortness of breath, severe pain in chest, head, stomach, ears, or glands in the neck.
  
  Information courtesy of:
  University Physician's Office
  
  Back to Colds and Flu page.