Cold and influenza (flu) are both conditions that affect our respiratory system but caused by two different viruses. The symptoms of cold and flu are similar – runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and loss of voice, fevers, chills and body pain. These symptoms cause a lot of discomforts and they might interfere with your daily activities. Unless the symptoms are severe, cold and influenza can be treated naturally without any medication. The virus will run its course in about a week and you will feel much better.

Rest
There is nothing more comforting than a warm bed during a cold or bout of flu. One, the rest will help you to get some sleep and also relieve symptoms like headaches and body pain. Two, the viruses spread with every sneeze and cough to the people near you. This can be contained if you are confined to your bed. Kids should stay away from school and if you are working, take time off. A hectic day can worsen your symptoms and lead to complications.

Hygiene
Have a hot shower maybe more than once throughout the day. It will drive fatigue away and help you feel less tired. Maintain hygiene. Keep washing your hands, as you do not want the virus spreading from your body to others in the family through contact.

Sleep
Even if you stay back at home, do not engage in any activity for a day or two. You should relax, pull down the curtain, keep a box of tissues well within reach, and fill up a thermos with warm water or soup and go to sleep. If you can, sleep as much as possible during the day and a minimum of 7 hours during the night. Put an extra pillow under your head so that your head is elevated and you cough less and breathe easily.

Diet
The symptoms of flu and cold could leave you feeling tired and dehydrated. Keep yourself hydrated and eat just enough so that you get the required nutrients to keep you strong. You should also avoid food that can worsen your symptoms. Vegetable soups and teas can help, spicy and cold fluids can aggravate the cough, sneeze and sore throat.

Compress
If you have a headache, or if you feel any difficulty while breathing, you can use a warm compress on your forehead and cheeks. Avoid hot compress, if you are running a temperature. If you have a fever, you can use a reusable cold pack or a cold packet from the fridge and use it as a cold compress. Do not use it for long periods, just use it for a few seconds and remove it,

Humidifier
Humidifiers generate warm moist air and help you relieve symptoms of sore throat and nose blocks.

Once you feel better maybe in a day or two, you can walk or do some light physical exercise to keep your body and mind fresh and active. But if the cold and flu does not go away using natural remedies, you see a doctor immediately.