The best time to fight cold and flu is when you do not have it. Prevention is always better than cure. However, what can you do to make it go away faster when you catch it? We have put together a list of some tips to help fight and keep cold and flu at bay.
Tip #1 Boost Immune System
Recurring colds may be caused by our weakened immune system, too much stress and lack of sleep.
It’s very important to strengthen our immune system before and even during the time we have a cold. Using natural immune support supplements can help keep us healthy and feeling better. Natural immune support supplements can safely minimizes symptoms and promote quick relief.
Vitamin A B, C, Zinc and probiotics have been for years well-known for boosting immune system. Using herbal supplements such as garlic, ginger and Echinacea is also very good to help achieve the best result.
Tip #2 Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very good for the relief of cold symptoms and helps our body to recover. Usually, the best source of vitamins C is fresh fruit and vegetables. However, using vitamin C supplements can more convenient if you really don’t have energy to go grocery shopping while you’re sick.
Tip #3 Take Zinc Supplements or Suck on Zinc Lozenges 
Research shows that zinc lozenges reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, especially sore throat. Zinc is directly toxic to the cold virus and stimulates our immune system to produce antibodies to destroy the virus. It’s better to suck on, not swallow the zinc lozenges. Smaller doses more frequent use seems work well.
Tip #4 Herbal Remedies
A. Garlic
This pungent herb has been widely used to treat colds by many ancient civilizations such as Chinese, Egyptians and The Romans. Garlic has strong anti-bacterial elements that help strengthen the immune system to fight the cold symptoms. If you don’t mind the odor, eat a few cloves of peeled garlic to prevent or fight the cold. If you really can’t take the odor, garlic supplements are easier and more convenient.
B. Ginger
Ginger is one of the nature’s antiviral herbs which is also an antiseptic and antioxidant. It’s very valuable for preventing and treating colds, sore throats and nasal problems caused by the cold. Try to add some ginger to your food. Making a cup of ginger tea will not only help you treat colds but also soothe your stuffed nose and sore throat. Ginger supplement forms like tincture, capsules or gel is a more convenient way.
C. Echinacea
Echinacea has been used by American Native Indians for hundreds of years. From 19 century, Europeans have grown Echinacea and did a lot of research on its effects of treating colds. Echinacea increases the defense mechanisms against virus and bacteria attacks and at the same time it enhances our immune system. Echinacea works the best before you get an onset cold or flu. So when you feel the cold coming on, take Echinacea supplements or drink Echinacea tea. It’ll give the best chance of a quick recovery.
D. Goldenseal
Try goldenseal for cold and flu to prevent sinus infection. It tends to encourage the proper drainage of the sinus cavities. It prevents severity of colds, flu, sore throats and fevers by preventing sinus and mucous membrane infection and inflammation. Please note that goldenseal should not be taken if you’re pregnant or could become pregnant, have high blood pressure, take medicine to control blood pressure, have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or if you take a medicine to control or prevent such a disorder.
Tip #5 Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
Either temperature may help you feel more comfortable. Sinus pack is a great and convenient choice for you.
Tip #6 Drink Plenty of Liquids (Warm and Hot is Best)
Water is the best. Drink at least 8-10 glasses per day. It helps you “flush” the virus out of your system. Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, help prevent dehydration, and can soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.
Tip #7 Wash Your Hands Regularly
Cold and flu usually spreads among people through coughing, sneezing or hand-to-hand contact. The virus can live on everyday surfaces such as supermarket shopping cart for several hours. Washing your hands regularly can minimize the chance of getting a virus. Also, try to keep your hands away from your eyes and nose.
Tip #8 Try Not to Consume Sugary Food and Drinks
Don’t Eat and Drink Junk Food and Sugary Food and Drinks
When we have a cold or flu, our body is under so much stress and our immune system is very weak. Heavy meals take a lot of energy to digest as your body is trying to use all the resource it can get to fight with the virus and the cold symptoms. It’s better to stay away from heavy and highly processed food.
Sugary food and drinks weaken your immune system and promote yeast overgrowth which worsens your digestive system. This includes all kinds of soda pop which contains more than 8 teaspoons of sugar per can.
Tip # 9 Take Hot Showers
Hot and steamy showers moisturize our nasal passages and relax our body. We usually feel warmer and more comfortable after a nice hot shower.
Tip #10 Rest
Take time off! Adequate rest helps you get rid of your cold quickly. Make sure to give yourself enough time every night for proper sound sleep.
While our tips can really help, they are only suggestions. If feeling very sick, it is best to consult your doctor.
