By Scott Conard, M.D.

Your throat is scratchy. You’re sneezing and your nose is running uncontrollably. Your skin feels like it is crawling and you hurt all over. Is this a cold or the flu? Should you go to the doctor or wait it out? Knowledge is power. Equip yourself to win the cold war!

• Know what causes cold and flu attack.

Colds and flu are both respiratory infections caused by viruses, not by cold weather. Because colds are caused by several different viruses, no vaccines are available. Flu is caused by influenza viruses. Vaccines are available and should be given to very young, very old, and adults with chronic disability.

Cold and flu viruses are spread by tiny droplets in the air (such as from a cough or sneeze) or from direct contact (like handshaking or touching doorknobs). Also responsible is low humidity in the winter because it dries nasal passages, making them more susceptible to infection.

• Prevention is the first line of defense.
  • Avoid close contact during the contagious period.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Dispose of all tissue used to blow your nose immediately after use.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
• Recognize which enemy has invaded.

Colds infiltrate slowly, generally two to three days after infection. Symptoms usually last from two days to a week. The first symptoms are a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. Mild cough can develop several days later. Temperature may be normal or slightly elevated, although infants and small children may have temperatures as high as 102 degrees.

The flu attacks more suddenly, starting with a headache, dry cough, and chills. Symptoms quickly become more severe than those of a cold. Muscle aches in the back and legs are common. There may be fever of up to 104 degrees, subsiding on the second or third day. Respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion and sore throat then appear. Fatigue and weakness may continue for days or weeks.

• Treat your symptoms while your immune system fights.

Help your immune system fight infection.

• Rest. It takes energy to fight infection.
• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to loosen mucus and carry away the debris of infection.
• Humidify dry air. Moist air decreases swelling of the respiratory tract and helps to clear out mucus.
• Avoid tobacco smoke. Smokers catch more colds and heal more slowly.

Treat your most troublesome symptoms to help you feel better until your body fights off the virus.

• Antibiotics are useless unless a secondary infection occurs. For flu, some antiviral medications can help if used during the first few days.
• If needed, use over-the-counter medications that target your worst symptoms. If you take prescription medications, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications. Although most adults can safely take aspirin for symptom relief, do not give to children. It has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare condition that can be fatal.
• Although there is no conclusive evidence that vitamin C can prevent colds or relieve symptoms, it may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms.

For some symptoms, always see the doctor.

Colds and flu can progress to something more serious or it may not be cold or flu at all. See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Severe, continuous vomiting or diarrhea lasting 8 hours or any vomiting and diarrhea not improved after 24 hours.
• Fever over 102 degrees.
• Earache.
• Shaking chills.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Skin rash.
• Unusual fatigue.
• Change in cough or nasal secretions to thick green or gray.
• Uncontrollable cough or cough sounding like a "seal bark".

You can win the cold war!