If you are suffering from the flu, you tend to run a fever, where as with a cold, most often you do not. Early symptoms of the flu manifest as headache, severe body aches and pains and extreme exhaustion that can last up to a few weeks. Colds symptoms tend not to have these characteristics, but rather manifest with stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat. Where as the flu only sometimes have these symptoms. A very important thing to keep in mind about the cold and flu difference, if ignored, a cold can turn into sinus infection or ear infections, where as the flu runs the risk of turning into bronchitis or pneumonia.

Antibiotics for colds and flu do not work being that they are caused by a virus, and antibiotics target bacteria. Cold & flu remedies should consist of getting plenty of rest and not reducing a fever under 103, as this is your body's natural mechanism for killing off the offending virus. Fever is a sign that your immune system is fighting an infection. By promoting a mild to moderate fever as soon as you start to experience the first signs and symptoms of a cold or flu, is extremely helpful in raising your immune response. In addition, some of the best cold and flu remedies taken internally are vitamin C, zinc, Astragalus, Garlic, Colostrum and Echinacea.

Multiple studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C do indeed alleviate flu or cold symptoms as well as prevent cold and flu viruses. Numerous studies have shown that zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours at the onset of a cold or flu, that the duration and severity are significantly reduced. Astragalus is an herb that has extremely beneficial antioxidant and immune-boosting constituents. Astragalus improves lymphocyte function and increases Interleuken-2 activity. Garlic contains allicin, which has proven to not only prevent common cold viruses, but also help individuals recover from a cold or the flu much faster. Garlic has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Colostrum is the substance contained in a mother's milk that provides a baby with protection from infections and boosts their immune system. Colostrum boosts natural killer cell activity that kills certain viruses. Colostrum also stimulates macrophages, which help to induce cell-mediated immunity. Echinacea imitates the size and shape of viruses, thereby stimulating the immune systems defenses to attack viruses. Echinacea triggers a humoral immune response, an immune reaction that initiates the production of special proteins that latch onto and destroy viruses. Echinacea also stimulates T cell subsets or helper cell activity, which are lymphocytes that take part in destruction of viruses. It should be noted that Echinacea should not be taken long term, as you will have the reverse effect and deplete your immune system.

It is possible to prevent and lessen the severity and duration of the common cold and flu by incorporating the above-mentioned cold and flu cures. You may also be interested in knowing that chicken soup does actually help cold & flu symptoms. Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which is released when you cook the soup. Cysteine thins mucus in the lungs, making it easier to expel congestion. At the same time dairy products should be avoided if you are suffering from congestion, as dairy products encourage congestion and mucus buildup. Following these guidelines could mean the difference between a quick recovery and a lingering illness or even between life and death from further complications of a cold or the flu.