To battle the flu and other bugs, the best offense is a good defense. Influenza - the flu - is similar to a bad cold, but it's much more serious.

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FAQs About the Flu

Medications for Cold and Flu

The flu usually comes on suddenly, with symptoms like high fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.

Some symptoms may be severe and last from a few days to several weeks.


A cold can't "turn into" the flu. But the flu can lead to pneumonia or other complications that require hospitalization.

At the first signs of the flu, be sure to:

• Treat the symptoms with non-prescription medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see which medication is right for you.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine has prompted the use and popularity of Cold-Eeze - which is available in pharmacies, groceries, and health food stores without a prescription - to relieve cold symptoms. When taken in the first day of the cold, or when symptoms just begin, the claim is that Cold-Eeze can reduce the symptoms of the cold and shorten its duration.

Also, it may cut your risk of getting a cold if taken (as a chewing gum or candy that must be sucked until dissolved) when exposed to someone else who has a cold. Made from an almost non-detectable amount of zinc (a homeopathic remedy), the product has come under fire from the scientific community but many swear by its value.

Another product, Zicam® - a homeopathic zinc that is sprayed in the nostrils - has come under scrutiny because of claims that the zinc altered the sense of smell and taste in some of its users.

However, not enough is known about this product so consumers should stay away from it until more is learned about its potential side effects.


There is some data from Israeli researchers that indicates a product found in health food stores called Sambucol® Syrup - which is Black Elderberry but with toxins removed - may help decrease your chances of getting the flu and could reduce the symptoms of the flu.

There are no guarantees, however.


For more information about preventing and treating influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/flu