Cold and flu season is upon us, and many residents in our area will likely fall prey to one of these common illnesses. Should you start taking vitamin C and Echinacea to prevent getting them in the first place? Or should you just stock up on chicken soup?

All the advice about “quick fixes” for colds and the flu leave many of us confused about what really helps prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms. And there are new recommendations regarding who should get the vaccine (anyone over 6 months old, 2 vaccine series for certain pediatrics patients, etc.).

A cold vs. the flu

First, patients should understand the difference between the common cold and the flu. Widely misunderstood, the terms “cold” and “flu” are often used interchangeably, even though they are very different. 

Although they are both common illnesses that are passed through contact, colds are usually signaled by sneezing, congestion and possibly a low-grade fever. Complications of a cold are generally less serious than those of the flu. 

The flu usually hits harder and faster than a cold, and it may be marked by severe body aches and sudden high fever. It is also possible that the flu can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as the “stomach flu.” Although one out of three people with the flu may have an upset stomach, this is rarely the main symptom of the flu. This is because the influenza virus affects the respiratory system, not the digestive system. Gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in children than adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu, and there are an average of 23,000 flu-related deaths each year.  

Get a flu shot

There may be a million “remedies” out there, but prevention remains the best treatment. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot if it is available. 

Vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. For children less than 9 years old, two doses of seasonal flu vaccine are needed if this is the first time the child is receiving flu vaccination. 

Additionally, high-risk individuals (children, seniors and people with certain health conditions) should also receive a pneumococcal vaccination.

Other ways to prevent getting a cold or the flu include:

• Washing your hands or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, since most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact

• Not touching your face, since viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose or mouth 

• Drinking plenty of water 

• Not smoking, which depletes the immune system

• Staying home until fever-free for at least 24 hours (less than 100° F or 37.8° C) without the use of fever-reducing medication

Although many believe vitamin C will prevent a cold or the flu, these claims have not been proven. And if your mother told you not to walk outside in cold weather with wet hair because you’ll get sick, it’s just not true. The flu and colds are more common in the winter because that is when the viruses spread across the country. It has nothing to do with being outside in cold weather.

But sometimes, as much as we may try to prevent it, it is still possible that you may catch a cold or get the flu. In hopes of a speedy recovery, people often run to the doctor and ask for antibiotics. But because colds and flu are caused by viruses rather than bacteria, antibiotics are useless in treating them.

However, there are certain anti-viral medications your doctor may recommend, particularly if you have a chronic health condition. These medications do not “cure” the flu, but they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster, and they may also prevent serious influenza complications. 

These medications are most effective when started early. Physicians also advise against overusing medications to relieve symptoms, since it is best to let them run their course. Those annoying symptoms are part of the natural healing process and evidence that the immune system is battling the illness.

Herbal remedies

So, what about herbal remedies? Things like zinc, Echinacea, ginger and garlic, which can be purchased over-the-counter, are supposed to help fight colds and the flu. Yet, experts are divided on whether those treatments really work, as studies on their effectiveness have been inconclusive. 

So while it’s not guaranteed to help you, it may not hurt to try. (If you are on other medications, however, check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding any possible interactions first.) 

Another popular remedy is having a bowl of chicken soup. Soup and other hot liquids definitely help soothe a scratchy throat or cough, but unfortunately, they have no special power to cure the flu or a cold.

I tell my patients that the cornerstones of a fast recovery are, in fact, quite simple: Rest, and drink plenty of fluids.

Terrance Hines, M.D., is a family medicine physician at Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park West.

For more information, contact Scott & White Clinic – Cedar Park West, which is located in Austin at 12129 FM 620, Ste. 600-E, or visit www.flu.sw.org. You may also contact Hines at 512-336-3400.