Time is the only sure cure for colds and flus but there are things you can do to prevent getting them in the first place and hasten your recovery if you do, especially with the flu. Influenza is like the cold in that they are both respiratory infections caused by viruses. If a cold is misdiagnosed as flu, there's no problem. At worst, a cold can occasionally lead to secondary bacterial infections of the middle ear or sinuses, which can be treated. But if the flu is misdiagnosed as a bad cold, potentially life-threatening flu complications like pneumonia may be overlooked.

Usually colds begin slowly, 2-3 days after infection with the virus. The first symptoms are perhaps a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. Temperature is usually normal or only slightly elevated. A mild cough can develop later. Symptoms tend to be worse in infants and young children, who sometimes run temperatures of up to 102°F (39°C). Cold symptoms usually last from two days to a week.

Indications of the flu include sudden onset with a headache, dry cough, and chills. The symptoms quickly become more severe than those of a cold. The flu sufferer often experiences fatigue with muscle aches in the back and legs. Fever of up to 104°F (40°C) is common. The fever typically begins to subside on the second or third day, and then respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion and sore throat appear. Fatigue and weakness may continue for days or even weeks.

Cold and flu-like symptoms can sometimes mimic more serious illnesses like strep throat, measles, and chickenpox. Allergies, too, can resemble colds with their runny noses, sneezing and malaise. With the typical symptoms, it is not necessary to contact your doctor immediately. However, if symptoms persist, become severe or localized in the throat, stomach or lungs, or if other symptoms such as vomiting and behavioral changes occur, professional help should be sought.

Because the symptoms of the common cold are caused by more than 200 different viruses--most by "rhinoviruses" (from the Greek rhin, meaning "nose")--the development of a vaccine isn't feasible. To minimize the spread of colds, people should try to keep their defenses up and their exposure down.

The current medical treatment for colds includes antihistamines, cough suppressants, decongestants and other treatments which tend to suppress cold symptoms, making people more comfortable. Sometimes antibiotics are used, even though we know that they do not work on viruses. However, they may be useful for secondary infections that develop as a result of the viral infection. Very little treatment is usually directed toward building the immune system to help prevent recurrence.

The symptoms experienced during the flu are the body’s natural attempt to eliminate the infection. For example, the body raises its temperature (i.e., produces a fever) high enough to kill the infecting organism and increases mucus production to soothe irritated tissues that have become inflamed due to the immune system’s response. The goal of naturopathic treatment is to work with the body’s defense mechanisms by enhancing the immune system rather than suppress the flu symptoms with analgesics and cough medications. So, when treating with natural therapeutics, flu symptoms may temporarily worsen, but the duration of the illness will probably be shorter and secondary infections may be reduced or prevented.

Natural medicine suggests you only keep an eye on a fever, not letting it get dangerously high. Some doctors say not to take any action unless it gets over 103-104°F (39.4-40°C). While long-term fevers can be dangerous, a fever that runs its natural course is usually quite safe if monitored closely.

If you are getting colds and the flu too frequently you should have your healthcare provider assess you for what may be causing this predisposition. There may be a drain on your immune system from a hidden infection, poor diet, hidden allergies or lifestyle problems. Exposure to cold and wet, overwork, loss of sleep, and other exhausting conditions lower bodily resistance and prepare the way for the virus to begin its work. The virus, in turn, prepares the way for the disease germs already present in the nasal cavity and other respiratory passages to multiply.

Other predisposing factors are a lack of resistance from living in overheated and poorly ventilated rooms, without sufficient outdoor exercise; lowered resistance due to errors in diet, including overeating, especially of such concentrated foods as sugar, fats, meats, or nuts; and diseased tonsils and adenoids. People who live truly hygienic lives seldom have colds. Many people with a history of being sick frequently no longer have this tendency after making appropriate changes.

The regular use of a multivitamin-mineral supplement, with or without additional vitamin E did not reduce the incidence of upper respiratory illness in a group of older Dutch patients. [JAMA 2002;288(6): pp.715-721]