The same thing every year: runny nose, headache, sore throat, heaviness, fever… The flu and colds are already here! There are some factors that make you more likely to suffer from them, such as smoking, stress, being around small children frequently, sleeping poorly, having allergic rhinitis, etc. Take note of how to take care of the flu or cold. 
Tips to take care of the flu or cold
There is no 100% effective cure for the flu or colds, we can only alleviate the symptoms while the body itself fights against the virus.
- Rest and take care avoiding the cold.
- If you have a fever, rest in light clothing (do not cover yourself with blankets) and drink plenty of fluids (water, juices and herbal teas, never alcohol). You can also take a warm shower and put warm water washcloths on your forehead.
- If you have a stuffy nose, you can put saline or salt water in your nose with a syringe, or make vapors with water.
- If you have a sore throat, you can suck on candies and avoid coughing and clearing your throat to avoid further irritating your throat.
- If you have asthma, you should use the inhalers that will make you feel better.
- Do not take antibiotics on your own, they have no effect against the virus, and they can harm you (they can be toxic, cause undesirable effects, and when they are necessary for other infections, they do not have an effect).
- For fever and pain, paracetamol at a dose of 500 mg every 4-6 hours or 1 gram every 6-8 hours is useful. Aspirin could also help, but be careful with your stomach and don’t give it to teenagers.
- If you smoke, give it up for a few days: it may be a good time to quit smoking for good.
How can I avoid spreading the cold or flu?
Viruses that cause colds and flu are spread by hand-to-hand contact and by airborne droplets from sneezes or coughs, so:
- Wash your hands frequently and use single-use tissues. Cloth handkerchiefs can be breeding grounds for germs.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and avoid doing it on top of people.
When to go to the doctor with a cold or flu?
Going to the doctor at the right time is important for your health and, in addition, you will avoid collapses in hospitals.
- You should go to the doctor when uncharacteristic symptoms appear (confusion, chest pain, persistent vomiting…).
- You should also consult with a health professional if some difficulty in breathing appears.
- If the fever persists for more than 5 days, see your doctor.
- If you suffer from any underlying disease that could decompensate you, you will need to be more alert about your health.
