You should treat both a Cold or the Flu about the same. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks such as coffee, teas, and colas with caffeine as well as alcohol. As for eating, use your appetite as a guideline - eat if you're hungry, but try to eat simple foods that are easy to digest.*

Colds are minor infections of the nose and throat caused by several different viruses. A cold may last for about one week, but some colds last longer, especially in children, elderly people, and those in poor health. In the United States, colds account for more visits to the doctor than any other condition. Adults get an average of two to four colds per year, mostly between September and May. Young children suffer from an average of six to eight colds per year. Colds are highly contagious.

Cold and flu are often confused for one another because both are respiratory illnesses. The most notable difference is that the flu can result in serious complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections or hospitalizations. Also, unlike symptoms of the common cold, the fatigue and weakness caused by the flu can last more than two weeks ? lingering long after other symptoms subside.

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu.

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out, when needed to tell if a person has the flu.

Many human illnesses begin with what are commonly referred to as “flu-like” symptoms, such as fever and muscle aches. However, in most cases anthrax can be distinguished from the flu because the flu has additional symptoms. In previous reports of anthrax cases, early symptoms usually did not include a runny nose, which is typical of the flu and common cold. For more information, see the Signs and Symptoms Q & A.

Though the Flu and Colds are more common in the winter months because that is when the viruses spread across the country, it has nothing to do with being outside in cold weather.*

There are numerous pharmaceutical options for the relief of cold and flu-like symptoms, such as antihistamines, NSAIDs, decongestants, and cough suppressants. However, because these only address the symptoms, the underlying viral infection goes un-treated and may even be prolonged. For the flu, there are several antiviral drugs which may prevent infection development if taken at the very beginning of symptom onset.

A:  Cold Sores, Fever Blisters and Herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is estimated that 45 million Americans are plagued by this pesky virus. The virus most often lives in the nerve ganglia of your brain and travels down the nerve cells to the skin to multiply. When this migration occurs, the sufferer can usually feel the trouble brewing as a "twinging" feeling at the lip or around the mouth where the lesion is going to form.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

While promoting good health is where nutritional supplements and herbs have been shown to have their best effects, it is certainly helpful to continue on your supplement program when sick; in fact, the added stresses of fighting an infection significantly increases your body's nutritional requirements. Continue taking your supplements until advised to stop or change dosages by your healthcare provider.

The flu can cause severe illness and can threaten the life of many people, especially the elderly, people with chronic illness and very young people. A cold is usually not that serious. In general, the flu is worse than a cold. The flu has symptoms such as fever, body aches and you can get very tired. Colds have similar symptoms, but they are usually mild.

No. If you have a cold, flu, or hay fever, you should not take any medication of substance without first being sure that it does not contain a prohibited substance. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications from a doctor. A positive test, whether inadvertent or due to medical treatment, is still a positive test.

There is no cure for cold or flu. Antibiotics, which do work to kill bacteria, do not work on viruses. However, home treatment can help to relieve the symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery. For adults, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve fever and pain. Always follow the instructions carefully and take care not stay within the safe daily doses.

You should consult a registered medical practitioner or the University Health Service for advice. Sick leave will be granted according to the normal procedures.

Yes. Your child can still be vaccinated if he or she has a mild illness, a low-grade fever, or is taking antibiotics.

You should call your anesthesiologist or surgeon to determine what should be done. You should be as healthy as possible before surgery. Call (650) 321-4121 if you do not know your doctor's number.

Common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses, and they are often confused. There is a lot of overlap in symptoms, however there are important differences. The cold is much more common, and the flu is much more serious. A mild case of the flu is generally worse than a bad cold. Many people mistakenly believe that their, “Flu shot didn’t work,” because they mistake what is really a cold for the flu.

For your safety and the safety of the blood supply, the Blood Bank of Hawaii requires that you're in good health and symptom-free for at least 72 hours.

There are very important differences between the flu and common cold, so take note! Having a cold usually means having a stuffy nose and sore throat, along with a mild-to-moderately uncomfortable feeling in your chest. You'll probably be sneezing, coughing, and feeling a bit achy, too. The flu, on the other hand, can mean really bad news. Yes, the flu makes you sneeze. It can also give you a stuffy nose and sore throat.

Yes. People who have asthma or allergies may already have inflamed and irritated lungs. If their bodies are already fighting one irritant or illness, it is more difficult for them to fight of a virus. Smokers are also more likely to have irritated lungs and are more susceptible to a Cold or the Flu - defend yourself and your immune system with FluShoc.*

Cold - The virus multiplies in the soft, warm surfaces found in the nose, throat, sinuses, the windpipe (trachea) and the breathing tubes (the bronchi). The main symptoms are blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. There may also be a fever, aching muscles and fatigue. The symptoms usually last for a week.

Aim for a healthy lifestyle a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, and regular (preferably daily) physical activity