An infection - mainly occurring in the nose and throat. Common colds and flu are caused by viruses and generally take two to five to recover from. The viruses that causes common colds are very contagious and are spread by a simple fine spray from sneezes and coughs.

Coughing is a reflex action that can be caused by many irritants. Although it can be an indication of more grave illnesses such as pneumonia, it usually is due to upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) infections.

The differences between colds and flu
Often people talk of “having the flu” when they are actually suffering from a cold. They are both caused by viruses. However, the flu (influenza) is a serious illness that can result in death.

The flu starts suddenly with a higher fever and you would feel so unwell and take to bed immediately. The onset of a cold, however, is more gradual and symptoms are normally restricted to just your throat and nose.

What are the Colds and flu symptoms?
Usually, you will have a runny nose and weepy eyes. Some people also cough, sneeze and suffer from sore throats. More commonly, you would feel generally unwell and inslightly more severe cases, you may have a headache, fever or even lose your voice.Coughs that are associated with colds are harmless and you should be mindful to see whether it progresses to be longer than a week. If you still feel unwell, it’s time to see a doctor.

Avoidance!
How can you avoid being bitten by the cold bug?
**Take preventive measures, always wash your hands with soap and water.

**Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hand.

**Always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.

**Use tissues rather than handkerchieves and throw them away after use.

**Avoid sharing utensils such as cups, cutlery and other personal items.

**Avoid contact with other cold sufferers.

When to see your doctor
When your symptoms get worse. If you suffer from other health conditions such as asthma or diabetes that worsen during a cold.  It is also advised that you consult your doctor if the symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual.

See your doctor if you or your child suffer from:
**Temperature higher than 38.5 Deg C (38 Deg C in children).

**Chills

**Severe headache

**Hurting eyes

**Chest pains

**Shortness of breath, noisy or fast breathing or difficulty in breathing

**Skin rash

**Pale or mottled skin

**Vomiting

**Difficulty waking up or drowsiness

**Persistent cough

**Aching muscles

Immediately see your doctor if you baby develops:
**Bulging of the fontanel (soft spot on the top of a baby’s head)

**High temperature

**Strange high pitched cry

**Lack of energy

**Loss of appetite / not drinking of feeding properly

**Earache

How do you treat yourself from colds and flu?
**Rest.Resting helps your immunce system build up to fight the virus off

**Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, this helps loosen mucus. Hence easier to cough or blow out. Avoid drinks that dehydrate further like coffee or tea and alcohol.

**Take symptomatic medications to give you some comfort. Speak to your pharmacist.

**Inhale, use a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil in a bowl of steaming water. Put a towel over your head, close your eyes and breathe in the vapor.

**Decongestant rubs help.

**Gargle with warm, salty water to ease throat irritations.

With above common  colds and flu information, tips and prevention, you might away from common colds and flu and enjoy your healthy life.

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