General Overview

Both the cold and the flu (influenza) are viral upper respiratory infections. There are over 200 different viruses known to be responsible for the common cold, whereas there are two main types of influenza virus. Click here to read up on the basics of cold and flu:

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• Avian flu (bird flu)
• Pandemic H1N1 (swine flu)

InDepth

• What are the cold and flu?
• What are the risk factors?
• What are the symptoms?
• How are they diagnosed?
• How is it treated?
• What are the screening tests?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What questions should I ask my doctor about cold and flu?

Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

• Influenza vaccine

Living With Cold and Flu

Is it a cold? Or is it the flu? And what do you do?

Before you attempt to treat your condition, step back, consider your symptoms, and figure out if you have a cold, a flu, or both.

Preventing Cold and Flu

Echinacea: nature's cold fighter?

Many people who become interested in herbs and natural remedies began with an introduction to echinacea, an herbal remedy commonly used for treating colds. Does it really work?

Preventing Cold and Flu (Continued)

How to wash your hands properly

Believe it or not, one of the best, not to mention easiest, ways to avoid a cold is to wash your hands frequently, especially after time spent in highly-trafficked public spaces.

Special Topics

Besides a shot: other ways to fight the flu

Aside from receiving the vaccine, there are several other steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the flu. For example, learn how antiviral medications can both prevent and treat the flu.

But what if you end up with the flu? You may need to take prescription antiviral medicines if you are at high-risk for complications.

Related Conditions

• Adenovirus infection
• Allergic rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Ear infection
• Headache
• Pneumonia
• Sore throat
• Strep throat

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Colds and flu