Don't Let a Cold or Flu Get You Down

Wash Your Hands

If you get a cold or flu this year, you may have your dirty hands to thank. Many viruses are spread that way. You pick up germs on your fingers and then get them in your mouth or eyes.

The solution: Wash your hands with soap often and well. It's a key way to prevent a cold or flu

Get Your Flu Shot

You may think of the flu as a minor problem, but it can be severe, sidelining you for days. It can even be dangerous, especially for young children, older adults, and pregnant women. One little vaccine may save you and your family a lot of misery. It’s a myth that a flu shot can give you the flu.

Be Prepared for Cold Season

Before you battle cold and flu germs, make sure you have the supplies you need. Stock your medicine cabinet with any medicines you use, like pain relievers or decongestants. Don’t forget tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer. Make sure your thermometer still works. At the supermarket, load up on fluids, herbal tea, and simple comfort foods like chicken soup for when you're sick.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

Cold or flu? There's no surefire way to tell the symptoms apart. Even your doctor may not be sure.

Usually, colds are milder. You might have a runny or stuffy nose.

The flu is usually more severe and comes on suddenly -- probably knocking you off your feet for a few days. Fever, body aches, and exhaustion are more common with the flu.

Get the Right Medications

There are lots of cold and flu remedies to choose from at the drugstore. Be smart about the ones you use.

Combination medications that package several meds in one pill -- like a decongestant, cough suppressant, and a painkiller -- can be a convenient way to combat symptoms. Choose a medicine that treats your specific complaint; don't treat a problem you don't have. And don't take more than one medicine with the same ingredient. Read labels and choose only the medications that will help.