Flu Season is here, but don’t forget about colds

Many Americans may forget about another threat, the common cold, due to the concern over the H1N1 virus (also known as the swine flu).

Although colds are often less severe than the flu, they can cause misery and disrupt work and school. A cold is not something that anyone can afford due to our busy lives and economic woes.

The common cold has many symptoms that are similar to the flu: sore throats, congestion in the nasal, sneezing and stuffy or runny eyes. However, colds are not as common as the flu. They don’t typically cause fever, fatigue or body aches. Because the flu and cold are caused by different viruses, The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but the rhinovirus (which comes in over 100 varieties) causes the runny, stuffy common cold.

Like the flu, proactive treatment is the best for the cold. Dr. Tim Tucker Pharm.D. FAPhA is the immediate past president of American Pharmacists Association. He also owns City Drug Company. “Staying as healthy as possible proves to be the key. That means exercising, sleeping well and taking a daily multivitamin. Adequate nutrition can help the immune system fight off infection, so eat well and include plenty of nutrient-rich, balanced foods in your diet. Drinking water will help flush toxins out of the body, while also improving hydration.”

“Hygiene also plays a role, so take care to wash hands frequently, avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and frequently clean oft-touched surfaces, like keyboards and door knobs,”He said.

However, if you are already feeling the effects of a cold, there are products that can be used to reduce the severity of common cold symptoms. Dr. Tucker says that zinc products like Zicam Cold Remedy may reduce the severity and length of your common cold symptoms if they are taken within 24 hours to 48 hours.

Americans who want to protect their families need to stock up on medicine so that they are ready to treat a cold before it becomes serious.

Visit this site for more information about cold-fighting strategies and the current flu risk in your local area. www.zicam.com.