The difference between a cold and an allergy is that a cold is caused by a virus and allergies often occur in response to irritants like dust mites, pollen or ragweed.
Recently Answered
-
1 AnswerA
Influenza type A, which accounts for 95 percent of cases, can usually be successfully treated with rest and good hydration. Home remedies, such as chicken soup, may help soothe the symptoms of influenza type A, such as congestion. Patients can also treat fever and aches with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Additional rest and adequate amounts of liquids may also help your symptoms improve.
-
1 AnswerA
Influenza type B can usually be successfully treated with rest and good hydration. Home remedies, such as chicken soup, may help soothe the symptoms of influenza type B, such as congestion. Patients can also treat fever and aches with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Additional rest and adequate amounts of liquids may also help your symptoms improve.
-
2 AnswersA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThere are a number of alternative cold treatments, although few have been proven to work. Research suggests that people who take vitamin C regularly have milder symptoms when they catch a cold and aren't sick for as long. Sucking on zinc lozenges within 24 hours of the first signs of a cold may make it shorter and less severe. At the same time, studies have failed to show that another popular alternative cold treatment, the herb echinacea, either prevents or treats colds. More research is needed on alternative cold treatments, so talk to your doctor about trying one. Some supplements and herbs may interact badly with other medicines, have side effects or cause allergic reactions. But you'll always be safe with chicken soup, which research has found can help relieve a stuffy nose. -
2 AnswersA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersA cold can become serious when it leads to a secondary infection such as sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. Sometimes what looks like a cold may actually be strep throat, which needs to be treated with an antibiotic. A cold can also become serious in people with asthma or conditions that weaken the immune system or health in general.
-
2 AnswersA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersAn important natural remedy for the flu is to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. There is no medical evidence that any complementary or alternative therapy effectively treats the flu. Instead, consider prevention. A seasonal flu shot is recommended for all children 6 months and older and adults, including anyone with a chronic illness that may put her at high risk of suffering severe illness or potentially serious complications. Consult your doctor if you are considering the use of an alternative treatment for the flu or if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
-
4 AnswersA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersAntibiotics will not help treat the flu, because they fight bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like influenza or the common cold. Taking an antibiotic for the flu will not speed recovery, provide symptom relief, or make you any less contagious. In fact, taking an antibiotic when you don’t need it can put you at higher risk of acquiring an infection that resists antibiotic treatment. However, if you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication that can shorten the illness, lessen its severity, and reduce the risk of complications.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Elif E. Oker, MD , Medical Toxicology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe best way to prevent getting the flu is to get vaccinated. Hand washing, covering your mouth by coughing into your sleeve and staying home when you are ill helps prevent the spread of flu. -
1 AnswerA
The best way to prevent influenza (flu) virus B is to get vaccinated. Each year, researchers decide what strains of influenza are most likely to become widespread, which usually consist of types A and B. Then, they produce a vaccine that protects against these strains. In people in certain risk groups, antiviral drugs may also be used to prevent influenza virus B.
In addition, you can avoid coming into contact with the influenza virus B by washing your hands regularly and staying away from large crowds when influenza is widespread. Staying rested, getting adequate exercise, and eating nutritious food may also keep you from getting influenza virus B or its complications.
-
2 AnswersA
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersTalk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether cough syrup can help relieve your flu symptoms. Usually, experts recommend using cough syrup only if you have a dry cough that is not producing mucus. A humidifier is a good alternative -- it can relieve coughing, moisten your airways, and help you breathe more easily.