The common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose and causes many symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, and fever. These symptoms are your body's response to some type of infection. It is widely known that there is no cure for the common cold; however, there are many things you can do to combat the symptoms and lessen the duration of your cold. Medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are often very effective in relieving the pain caused by many of these symptoms.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness cause by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to sever illness, and in extreme cases it may even lead to death. You have probably heard of the seasonal flu shot, and many of you have probably even gotten one yourselves. The flu shot injects you with a very small amount of the influenza virus, which is supposed to make your body more resistant to the virus. However, getting a flu shot does not mean you are immune to all strains of the flu.

Symptoms

symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. The throat and sinuses may be affected as well. There may be swelling in the sinuses and sore throat. A cough due to throat irritation and post-nasal drip may develop. Some people experience headache and/or low fever. Symptoms of cold and flu may be similar, but fever and body aches usually occur first in cases of influenza and other symptoms similar to the common cold develop later.

Both these illnesses are due to viruses, with the common cold and the flu spread through one's saliva or nasal secretions. Of course, when you take the necessary precautions, you wouldn't need to worry, but in the case that you do contract either of these irritants, you'll be happy to know that we will explore how the common cold and the flu are best treated.

Cold and Flu Treatment - 7 Secrets to Speed Up Recovery

1. Stay at home

2. Get plenty of rest

3. Drink a lot of liquids

4. Avoid alcohol use and tobacco smoke

5. Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms

6. Consult a doctor early on for best possible treatment

7. Remain alert for emergency warning signs

Herbalists have also been using liquorice to soothe chest and throat complaints since the third century BC for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, throat problems, colds and coughs. Liquorice contains anti-viral compounds that induce the release of interferon, the bodies own anti-viral constituents. It is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory which makes it excellent for stubborn coughs and lung infections.