Colds and Flu
The cold and the flu are both common illnesses. You can tell the
difference by how fast to comes on. Flu also tends to have a higher
fever in adults. Both can cause sore throat, cough, stuffy head and
will make you feel miserable. Both are caused by... More
The cold and the flu are both common illnesses. You can tell the difference by how fast to comes on. Flu also tends to have a higher fever in adults. Both can cause sore throat, cough, stuffy head and will make you feel miserable. Both are caused by viruses, and have no cure - get better when your body makes you better. As flu can be more serious, doctors may prescribe an antiviral medication. Unlike the common cold, it is possible to prevent some flu or to reduce its severity by getting an immunization for current flu strains. Less
Recently Answered
- Q What does feed a cold, starve a fever mean?
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If you remember that old adage, forget it. Whether you have a cold or a fever, you should eat normally (unless normally constitutes the grease-soaked buffet). The important thing for both is to stay hydrated-especially if you have a fever. Lots of... More
“Feed a cold, starve a fever” doesn’t mean anything in terms of fighting off illness. It’s an old wives’ tale. Anyone with a cold or a fever (from the flu or any other illness) should drink at least eight glasses of... More
This adage's advice predates modern medicine. More than a century ago, people thought that a drop in body temperature caused cold symptoms and that food fought off a cold by raising the internal furnace. Over the years, people figured that once you had a... More
- Q How can I get over a cold faster?
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Everybody seems to have their own special remedy for curing a cold. The truth is, you can't really cure a cold; you can only speed its course. And there have only been three things that have been shown to really have an effect on speeding one up-chicken... More
There’s no proven way to get over a cold faster. Some studies have found that sucking on zinc lozenges within 24 hours of the first symptoms of a cold may shorten it. Otherwise, do all you can to feel better as quickly as possible: Get... More
- Q Are most cases of the common cold caused by bacteria or viruses?
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The most common virus is the common cold, which is actually caused by several different families of viruses. Even though you may experience upper-respiratory symptoms associated with a bacterial infection, most cases of the common cold are not caused by... More
Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria (which means antibiotics are useless against colds). There are more than 200 cold-causing viruses. As many as half of colds are brought on by a special type of virus called a rhinovirus (from "rhino," the... More
- Q What are risk factors for flu and pneumonia?
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Microbes are ever present among us. While some, particularly the bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal system, coexist peacefully and productively with their human hosts, others cause diseases, including influenza and pneumonia. Risk factors for... More
- Q What are umckaloabo supplements?
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If you're searching for a natural way to prevent colds and flu this season, watch this video in which Dr. Oz reveals the little-known herbal rememdy umckaloabo and how it can help you sail through the season illness-free. More
Pelargonium sidoides (umckaloabo) is a herbal extract sometimes used for treating acute respiratory tract infections where antibiotics are not warranted. It is available in both tablet and liquid forms. The evidence is very limited for the... More
Pelargonium sidoides, also known as umckaloabo, is a member of the geranium family and is native to South Africa. The name "umckaloabo" is derived from two Zulu words: umkhuhlane, meaning "fever- and cough-related diseases," and uhlabo, meaning... More
- Q At what age can a child take over-the-counter (OTC) cough or cold medicine?
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a group that represents most of the makers of nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, recommends that these products not be used in children under 4 years of age. The... More
Kids who are six and older usually can use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines without too much problem; just make sure to look at the ingredients. Many of these medicines also have a fever reducer included. Make sure you do not double up on the... More
