The bad news is there isn’t actually a cure for a cold or flu, but they tend to clear themselves up, most often, in three to 10 days. And while you can’t kill these viruses outright, there are many things you can do to manage the symptoms of these diseases, boost your healing time and prevent complications, like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Identify the Cause
Colds and flu bugs start out with similar symptoms but vary greatly in severity and treatment options. Colds are mostly respiratory, with symptoms like sore throat, coughing, sneezing and runny nose. While the flu can have similar symptoms, especially at the onset, a flu bug tends to come on more suddenly, with symptoms that are much worse than that of a cold. Flu bugs also tend to be accompanied by symptoms like fever and chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.
If you suspect that you’re coming down with more than the cold, you should act quickly and take an antiviral medication, like Tamiflu. When taken within the first two days of symptom onset, it can help you cut a few days off of your flu bug. Because Tamiflu and other antiviral medications are available by prescription only, it’s important that you call your doctor the first day you develop symptoms.
It’s The Flu. What Can I Do?
When those sniffles begin to give way to muscle aches, nausea and chills, it’s important to act quickly to help your body get what it needs to fight off the virus. These six tips will help you make a full, faster flu recovery this flu season.