In many cases, cold and flu are often confused, and an inappropriate treatment can be given for the other symptoms. These occur due to the fact that cold and flu often carry the same traits and in most cases- often carry the same symptoms. There can be however some telltale differences that we can spot, so that we can tell the differences. Let us look at some of them.

Common Cold comes in stages. First, you might develop a runny nose followed by watery eyes. Congestion might set in later and the period of sneezing /coughing might start. You may experience these symptoms for about 3 to 10 days. Fever is not usually associated with a common cold. Flu on the other hand has the symptoms that can set in quickly. It usually happens abruptly and not in stages. Your body may experience fever and chills, and soon it may start experiencing body aches. It can last longer than the common cold and in some cases may last even up to 3 weeks.

Both of them have many similarities as per the symptoms are concerned, and these can include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and headache. The flu symptoms can further include a high fever, body aches and pain and a dry cough. Cold is caused either by allergic reactions or a by a virus called as a œrhinovirus. Flu, on the other hand, is derived from the virus called as œinfluenza and can be highly contagious. It can be easily spread by air, water or a person to person contact.

Though there are many OTC medications available, it is in the best interest that you avoid these symptoms altogether. These can be done by

Keeping the air moist with a humidifier
Washing your hands often and maintaining a good hygiene
Keeping your environment and your house clean
Avoiding crowded places whenever there is a disease outbreak
Get a flu shot/vaccination to avoid getting the virus

If you have been affected by cold /flu, you can follow these guidelines by not spreading it to others:

Cover your mouth whenever you sneeze and cough
Wash your hands regularly and avoid handshakes with any other individual
Throw away your tissues and clothes that you might have used to clear the nose blockages

Also, intake plenty of liquids and fruit and vegetable based diet. Stay away from cold and aerated drinks even after the symptoms subsidizes. Most people treat common cold with over the counter medications. Though it is safe, it is best to get a consultation with your doctor. Common cold if not treated properly can lead to pneumonia.

The disease is known as œCommon cold for a reason. It is one of the easily spread infections in the world and no matter how robust your immune system is, chances are that you might have the symptoms at least once a year. The symptoms may last for a week or two and does not lead to any major complications. In most cases over the counter medications can take care of the condition. There are many viruses that can cause cold and the most common among them is the rhino virus which is highly contagious. Others can include your allergic reactions and can depend on your allergens. You can catch a cold any time of the year. The term œcatch a cold is highly synonymous with the fact that it can easily spread through air when an infected person sneezes and your body can fall victim to it.

Flu
Flu is caused by the influenza virus and mostly shares the symptoms with that of the cold. However, if the flu is not treated properly, there are chances that you can get further complications. This is especially true for younger children and older adults. Unlike cold, you may get the flu only during the flu season or during the fall season.

Symptoms
The common symptoms of cold can include runny or stuffy throat, sore throat, sneezing and coughing and tiredness and general weakness. The above symptoms also hold good for Flu except that it may be accompanied by high fever and headache and chills. Few people may experience vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

Treatments
Many of the treatments for the common cold are over the counter products and though most of them are safe it is advisable to consult your doctor before using them. Drink plenty of fluids for the flu symptoms and it is advisable to have the flu vaccine to avoid future complications. If your condition does not go away after a few days or it seems to be worsening, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention
In many cases you can avoid picking up the viruses by maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Always wash your hands properly and adopt healthy habits. Always stay focused during the flu season and get your allergy test done so that you can know your allergens and stay away from them. The virus is highly contagious. Hence, take precautionary measures during an outbreak. Also ensure that you practice covering your mouth and nose while you cough or sneeze.

Common cold can be dated back to stone ages. It is one of the easily spread diseases by a virus and needless to say, mankind has been for ages trying to curb the symptoms and the condition altogether. It is also a fact that common cold is one of the condition for which medical attention is seldom sought after and only when the symptoms do not go away do we get it to the attention of the doctor. We as a population, usually go for over the counter medications and treatments for a common cold. However, collectively we have started to treat even the flu condition with equal apathy. Doctors worldwide do caution us that both the conditions are different and though they might carry the same symptoms each would require a different treatment altogether.

The symptoms of cold differ from person to person. For some it may start with a headache while for some it may start with sneezing profusely which might develop a running nose followed by watery eyes. Later on you might be experiencing a dry throat followed by congestion. However in the case of flu, the symptoms can include the above and along with that a high fever may accompany. You can experience chills and it can last longer than the common cold. Usually the conditions can last up to three weeks whereas in the case of cold it can last from 3 days to a week. In the case of flu you might also experience headaches for longer period. Common cold is usually caused by allergic reactions or by the rhinovirus. Flu is caused by the influenza virus and can spread easily.

There are many treatment options available for common cold. Many of them are the over the counter products. Also you can use the help of nasal decongestants and sprays for relieving congestion. However, it is advisable to have a consultation with the doctor before you go for such products. If the condition persists do seek medical attention immediately as common cold if not treated properly can lead to pneumonia. The same goes for the flu symptoms. You may be given medications and shots for curbing the virus. Also you can look at the option of getting the flu vaccine to prevent future incidents. Consult with your doctor on its possible implications.

Prevention is the best medicine for the common cold as in many cases, it is spread by known agents or conditions which exist in our home and environment. Always have your environment clean and dry. Make sure you use a humidifier in your home if you are prone to allergic symptoms. Better know your allergens beforehand by allergy tests and try to stay away from the allergens. Make sure that you practice a good hygiene and always wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid crowded places if there is a spread of the virus.

Cold and flu are very much similar and in many cases, they are often confused with each other. In many circumstances, even while the symptoms are explained to the doctor we tend to give out incorrect information as a result of which an incorrect treatment can be provided. The symptoms can be similar and though many of the medications used for cold can be used for the flu virus, the procedure has to be stopped at some point in time as the prolonged usage may lead to other symptoms and conditions altogether. Let us look at the common differences between flu and a common cold.

Differences between Cold and Flu
Cold has a tendency to come in stages. First, a runny nose develops followed by watery eyes. Sneezing and coughing symptoms might start later on and congestion can occur to your throat and nostrils. Fever may be experienced rarely and mostly you might have bouts of uncontrollable coughing and sneezing. These can last up to a week and depends on your body condition. In the case of the flu, the symptoms can set in quickly. It does not happen in stages and fevers and chills are common symptoms. Usually your body will start to ache and in some cases the temperature can raise phenomenally. Flu virus can last for longer duration and the average time can be from 2 to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of cold and flu
The symptoms of flu and cold have similarities and can include running nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and headaches. The flu symptom predominantly includes high fever followed by body ache. Cold is caused either by allergic reactions or the œrhinovirus. Flu, on the other hand, is derived from the virus called as œinfluenza and can be highly contagious. It easily spread by water and air and by general contact.

Treatment
The best treatment for the flu can be the flu vaccine and while most of the over the counter medications are available for common cold, it is best to seek medical help. Common cold if not properly treated can lead to pneumonia.

Common cold and flu can easily spread to others. Hence if you are affected by it, do follow these guidelines to curtail their spread.
Cover your mouth whenever you sneeze and cough
Wash your hands regularly and avoid handshakes with any other individual
Throw away your tissues and clothes that you might have used to clear the nose blockages

Prevention is the best medicine in most cases, hence it is in the best interest that you
Keep your house dry and clean
Wash your hands often and maintain a good hygiene
Have some basic cold medications ready in hand

Also intake plenty of vegetable and fluids as part of your medications and diet. Identify a list of foods that can cause you cold and stay away from them. It is also advisable to get an allergic test done so that you can stay away from the harmful allergens.

About allergies
If you are not getting relief from allergies for a long duration and in your regular check up, your doctor says that there is no cure for allergies, please do not get surprised. In general terms, there is no real treatment for allergies. There can be treatments and medications to lower the symptoms, and the rest would be handled by how well our immune system functions. The common symptoms of allergy can include running nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. These drugs can help ease these conditions and can provide relief. Let us take a look at few of these medications and the best medicine for allergy relief.

Antihistamines
These are the common type of compounds taken for allergy relief. They have been used for decades and are generally considered safe without any side effects. Antihistamines can be taken as tablets, syrup, nasal spray, or eye drops. Nasal sprays can be used regularly but only for a limited period and can provide significant relief from a running nose.

Antihistamines can include over the counter medications such as brompheniramine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, diphenhydramine.

Decongestants
As the name suggests, decongestants are very beneficial in relieving congestion and is usually prescribed along with antihistamines. They come in various forms such a nasal sprays, eye drops, and liquids. Always ensure that you use nasal sprays only for a short period or a few days as prolonged use can worsen the condition.

Combination allergy drugs
These are commonly used when fighting against multiple allergy symptoms. They also effectively curb the spread of the allergens. In a word, they use both decongestants and antihistamines in the drugs combination.

Over-the-counter medications
These can include cetirizine and pseudoephedrine, fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine, diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine, and naphazoline/pheniramine for allergic conjunctivitis.

Steroids
Steroids are known to reduce the inflammation associated with the allergies. They can curb your sneezing tendencies, nasal stuffiness, and itchy and runny nose. They can be used regularly; however, just consult your physician if you can take them as per your condition. They come in a variety of format, and they are easily available as tablets, nasal drops, eye drops, skin creams, and masks.

However, though steroids are safe, they can have some side effects if taken for a long duration. Some of them can include weight gain, fluid retention, diabetes, muscle weakness and spasms, and in some rare cases can be the reason for high blood pressure.

Do consult with your physician before you take steroids as most of the products are available over the counter and can be easily abused.

Apart from these, the medicines for allergy relief can include Immunotherapy which is nothing but allergy shots that can improve your immune system gradually in the fight against allergy.

Do you often suffer from acute sinus congestion? then throbbing pains all over your face and head, tired eyes, stuffed nose, difficulty in breathing, and a constant feeling of fatigue are your regular companions when your nasal tissues get inflamed or are irritated. It is especially annoying when you have to wake up in the middle of the night with a bad attack of sinus congestion.

Although, doctors recommend antibiotics for those who suffer from severe bouts of sinus congestion, there are certain natural remedies that will give you relief if your sinus problem is not very serious. Here are five home remedies for sinus congestion relief.

1.Use a neti pot: Neti pots, made of copper or ceramic, are used to clear nasal cavities. Use a saline solution that is composed of half to one teaspoon of non-iodized salt for 16 ounces of warm water. Make sure to use sterilized and distilled water. To flush, lean over a sink or basin and tilt your head to about 45 degrees.
Insert the spout of the pot in the upper nostril and gently pour the solution with dribbling. Make sure that you are breathing through your mouth while you do this. Few seconds later, the solution will come out from your other nostril. Repeat the process of the other side as well. Blow your nose gently to flush out the mucus.

2.Steam: You can take a steam bath or shower by sprinkling a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil in the shower. Or you can pour warm steaming water in a bowl and keep your face over the bowl with a towel over your head. Breath in the steam through your nose. Be careful to not burn yourself. The hot steam will clear out your sinuses.

3.Spicy diet: Hot spices open up your nasal cavity. If you are having an acute bout of sinus congestion, include spices such as curry, hot pepper, mustard, or wasabi in your food. The heat of the spices will clear your sinus congestion and give you relief.

4.Stay hydrated: This is more of a preventive measure than curative. If you keep yourself sufficiently hydrated, your sinuses will remain moist. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, as they tend to cause dehydration. Drink sufficient quantity of water and fruit juices.

5.Warm and cold compress: You can use warm and cold compress alternatively to get relief from sinus congestion. This also helps to give relief from pains caused by sinus congestion. The alternate compress will help to keep the tissues of your nasal cavity moist.

If your sinus problem persists for more than a week and is accompanied by fever, consult your doctor immediately.

Sinus congestion is usually caused due to allergies, certain bacteria or the occasional fungi, tooth infection, or nasal polyps. These cause infection, inflammation, or swelling of your nasal cavities. This brings in a bout of sinusitis that cause pain and a lot of annoyance to you. You can easily and quickly get relief if you have an acute or short bout of sinuses. However, if you are suffering from severe sinus symptoms that persist for a week or more, it is best to consult a doctor.

In case you are suffering from a not very severe case of sinusitis, the best way to get relief is by keeping your nasal passages moist. Avoid dry air as far as possible. Here are a few quick and easy solutions that are good sinus congestion relief techniques. Whether you get an attack of the sinusitis at night or anytime during the day, try out these solutions before hitting the antibiotics.

1. Nasal Saline Spray: Technically, nasal saline sprays shrink the blood vessels that are inside your nose. Simply put, the saline-based solution adds moisture to your nasal cavity and membranes. This helps to clear out mucus and debris from your nose. You can also use nasal saline sprays if you are suffering from allergies that cause your nose to dry out.

2. Warm towel: Take a nice soft fluffy face towel. Soak it in warm water. Squeeze out the water. Make sure no water is dripping from the towel. Place the warm towel on your face. The warmth will open up your nasal passages. You will also get relief from the pain brought on by your sinusitis.

3. Elevation: It is difficult to sleep when your sinuses do not let you breath. With the constant pain all over your face and head, you can barely manage to fall asleep, which leads to more annoyance. When you sleep, keep your head elevated. Use two-three pillows so that your head is at a higher level than your body. This will help you breath more easily and comfortably. You will be able to sleep better.

4. Decongestants: You can use over-the-counter decongestants that come in the form of sprays or pills. These reduce sinus pressure and bring down the swelling of your nasal passages. You will also get relief from stuffiness in your nose. However, note that you should not use decongestants for more than 3 days. Also, decongestants should not be given to kids under the age of 4 years.

Consult your doctor before taking any medicines.