We all get sick from time to time. No matter what precautions we take, we can get a common cold or a full-blown flu. What is it that makes the common cold so frustrating$1 What can be done to prevent colds$2 If prevention fails, what can be done to alleviate cold symptoms$3 The best way to prevent getting a cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently. The viruses that cause these cold and fluinfections is most commonly spread through the hands, so you should wash your hands before you eat. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands. You have probably heard that “there is no cure for the common cold.” This is true, because colds are caused by a virus. Your body learns how to fight off the cold virus only by having it in your body. The problem is, there are over one hundred cold viruses as well as several flu strains, so your body might not equipped to fight off the strain you get in one particular year. The way your body fights the cold and flu viruses is the principle behind the flu shot. When you receive a flu shot, you are receiving a “watered down” dose of the particular flu virus that experts feel will infect your area that year. Your body fights off the small dosage of the virus, creating the right antibodies to fight off the real thing if you get it. This is part of the reason that the flu shot is not always successful. If the experts give patients one particular strain of the flu, and a different flu ends up being the one that is spread that year, even those who received the vaccination could still end up with flu symptoms. However, the flu shot can be quite effective, and there is little risk at having one, so many doctors recommend those who are at risk for serious flu complications, such as the elderly and very young, get the shot. If you have a cold or flu, you are probably wanting to do all you can to relieve your cold symptoms, such as your stuffy nose, sore throat, congestion, and aching muscles. The best treatment for the common cold is rest. If you can stay home from work or school you should. The more rest your body gets, the better equipped it will be to fight off the sickness. You can take cough medicine or cold medicines to help control your cold symptoms. While you are fighting your cold and flu symptoms, remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has the strength to fight the cold or flu virus. If the stuffiness in your nose is unbearable, you can use saline nose drops to loosen the mucus causing the congestion so you can blow it out. For a sore throat you can take over-the-counter lozenges, or you can gargle with warm salt water. Your body knows what to do to combat the common cold. You do not need a doctor’s attention, unless you have a severe sore throat that does not go away or get better in a day or two or an extremely high fever. These can be indications of bacterial infections, such as strep throat, that require antibiotics. Of course, if you are in doubt you can always call your doctor to be safe!