You wake up feeling a little “off.” As the day progresses, it gets worse. Two days later, you’re hacking and sniffling. At this point, you finally face the music. A nasty cold has set in.
Seasonal colds can be a recurrent and frustrating condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults come down with two to three colds every year, and kids get them even more often. Plus, symptoms can linger for up to two weeks.
But colds aren’t the only seasonal illness that can disrupt life on a daily basis. Flu is another issue that poses a real struggle. Not only does flu feel awful, but it can also have major health consequences. The CDC says that flu can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and even ear infections.
So just what do you do when colds and flu take center stage? When it comes to treating colds and flu, there are prescription, over-the-counter and holistic options that can improve symptoms. Here are seven things to try.
- Antiviral Medications
It’s no secret that flu symptoms can feel downright miserable. Fever and chills can turn a normally healthy household upside down. And while you most likely can recover on your own, it’s important to take extra precautions if you are elderly or have a weakened immune system.
This is when antiviral medications can be a lifesaver for those who are older or have concerning health issues. According to the CDC, antiviral drugs are particularly important for those in high-risk groups or those who are extremely ill. These are prescription medications that can take the edge off of symptoms and reduce the amount of time you’re ill. Plus, they are said to prevent pneumonia.