Cold and Flu Medical Reference
- Flu Treatment With Antiviral Drugs
Learn more from WebMD about flu treatment with antiviral drugs, which shorten the duration of the virus and may ease the severity of symptoms.
- Understanding the Flu: How Do I Know if I Have It?
Learn more from WebMD about flu symptoms and a variety of flu treatments, including over-the-counter medicine, antivirals, alternative medicine, herbs, dietary supplements and acupuncture.
- 8 Natural Tips to Help Prevent a Cold
Some simple steps can help prevent many colds, and perhaps even help ward off the flu. Learn more here.
- Common Cold
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose — everyone knows the first signs of a cold. Learn more from WebMD about who, when, and why colds are so common.
- Is Your Sore Throat a Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis?
Got a sore throat? WebMD tells you how to tell if it’s a cold, strep throat, or tonsillitis.
- When a Cold Becomes a Sinus Infection
WebMD explains sinusitis, an infection that can occur in the wake of a cold or with allergies.
- Common Cold: Too Sick to Work?
If you're showing signs of an illness like a cold, it's tough to know whether or not to go to work. These guidelines can help.
- What's Causing My Cold?
Just what is causing your misery? Learn more about the hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold.
- Nasal Sprays for Cold Relief
Nasal sprays may help if your cold has given you a stuffy nose. Learn about the types of sprays and which might make you breathe better.
- Keeping Catchy Infections Contained
There’s a bug going around, but don’t let it get you. Learn how to steer clear of catchy infections.
- Zinc for Colds: Lozenges and Nasal Sprays
Can zinc prevent or reduce the duration of cold symptoms? Learn more about zinc's benefits as a cold remedy.
- Asthma and Colds
Learn more from WebMD about cold and asthma symptoms -- where they overlap, and when to call the doctor.
- HIV/AIDS and the Common Cold
If your immune system is weakened from HIV/AIDS, you need to guard against colds and flus. WebMD offers tips.
- Colds and Chronic Medical Conditions
A common cold can aggravate chronic medical conditions. Here's how to prevent more serious health problems if you have a cold.
- Can Antibiotics Treat My Cold?
Antibiotics won't help your cold, yet many people assume they will. Here's why using antibiotics for a virus is a bad idea.
- Common Cold Prevention
Discover how frequent hand washing can be the most effective means for cold prevention.
- What Puts You at Risk for the Common Cold?
Understanding what puts you and your loved ones at risk for the common cold can help you stay well this cold season. WebMD offers tips for protecting infants, college students, and older adults from the common cold.
- Exercise and the Common Cold
Exercise may prevent colds. But is it safe to exercise if you have a cold? Get the facts.
- Vitamin C for the Common Cold
WebMD explains the role vitamin C plays in preventing and treating the common cold.
- Heart Disease and Colds
If you have heart disease, catching a cold may lead to serious problems. WebMD tells you how to prevent serious cold complications and stay well.
- What Is a Pandemic and How Does It Affect Us?
Confused about what a pandemic is versus an epidemic? WebMD explains.
- Flu Treatment With Antibiotics
WebMD explains why you shouldn't take antibiotics for a flu.
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Common Cold
What causes the common cold? Why isn't there a vaccine to prevent it? Can a chill cause a cold? WebMD answers frequently asked questions about the common cold.
- Colds and Flu at Work
Colds and flu can spread at work. Find out how to protect yourself around the office.
- Top 10 Questions About the Flu
What's the difference between a cold and the flu? Do you need a flu shot? What else can you do to prevent the flu? Find answers to frequently asked questions from WebMD.
- 14 Natural Treatment Tips for Colds and Flu
Learn about home remedies that may speed your recovery from colds or flu.
- Bird Flu FAQ
Should you be concerned about bird flu? WebMD went to public health experts to get answers to your questions about how it is spread, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
- Understanding Sore Throat -- Symptoms
An overview of sore throat symptoms.
- Understanding Sore Throat -- the Basics
Get the basics on sore throat from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding Sore Throat -- Prevention
Learn about preventing sore throats.
- Understanding Sore Throat: Treatment
Get the basics on sore throat treatment.
- Understanding the Common Cold -- Prevention
WebMD's tips for preventing the common cold.
- Understanding Common Cold -- Treatments
Get tips about treating the common cold from the experts at WebMD.
- Understanding the Common Cold -- the Basics
A guide to the basics of the common cold.
- Soothing Recipes for Colds
Can chicken soup -- or hot tea -- really help common cold symptoms?
- Causes and Evolution of Influenza (Flu)
WebMD provides an overview of influenza -- and a bit of history about the flu.
- How to Choose Over-the-Counter Cold and Flu Meds
If you don’t know all the possible side effects, cold and flu drugs can make you feel worse. Here’s how to get the right over-the-counter meds for you.
- Understanding Flu Symptoms
Which symptoms signal the flu - and when is it time to call the doctor?
- Do You Have a Cold or Flu?
Do you have a cold or the flu? WebMD's symptom chart can help you find out.
- When Should I See a Doctor for a Cold or Flu?
Most colds and flu don't require a doctor's care. However, as WebMD explains, if you have any of these six symptoms, see your doctor.