While there is no cure for colds and flu, there are a number of things you can do to make yourself feel better, writes Marie Madden

For many people, winter is a nightmare time with many colds and flus doing the rounds. Over 100 different viruses can cause colds, which are usually quite mild, while thankfully there are much less that cause flu.

A cold and the flu have many of the same symptoms but a cold is generally mild, whereas the flu tends to be more severe. A cold often starts with sufferers feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and having a runny nose. You may not have a fever or you may run a low fever, just one or two degrees higher than normal. You may also have muscle aches, a scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes and a headache.

The flu starts more suddenly and hits hard. You'll probably feel weak and tired and have a fever, dry cough, a runny nose, chills, muscle aches, severe headache, eye pain and a sore throat. It usually takes longer to get over the flu.

While there is no cure for colds and flu, there are a number of things you can do to make yourself feel better. Even if you don't feel like drinking, fluid intake is extremely important to prevent dehydration. Sipping honey with hot water and blackcurrant will shake off the chills and provide you with some much-needed Vitamin C. If you sinuses feels blocked up, try putting a few drops of eucalyptus into a basin of hot water and inhaling the vapours. This will help to clear your head.

Keeping your strength up is also important, so make sure to keep eating. Soups, mashed potato and stews are all easy to eat while you're sick. Spicy foods can also help clear out the cobwebs. Rest is also essential, so make sure to get plenty of sleep. Flu viruses are very contagious, so avoid close contact with others and wash your hands regularly to reduce the risk of infection. Most colds only last for a few days and, although antibiotics are not effective against colds, flu treatments such as Lemsip or decongestants can help reduce symptoms.

If you prefer to stick to natural remedies, there are a host of herbs that can help fight that flu. Echinacea is a popular plant, which is said to ward off flu. There are currently many Echinacea based products on the market with varying strengths and, if taken before the flu develops, it is believed to speed up recovery. Garlic is another herb that can fight against infection, as it naturally boosts the immune system, while onions, ginger and liquorice are also recommended.

Alcohol and smoking should be avoided during a flu and having a dehumidifier in the room can also make you feel more comfortable. If your flu persists or you feel chest pains, you should contact your GP.

But don't worry, if you want to avoid catching a winter flu, there are a number of steps you can take. First of all, keep well wrapped up with a coat, scarf, hat and gloves. Don't over heat your house; you may catch cold when going from a very warm environment into the cold. Try to avoid getting wet if possible. Diet is also a major factor, so make sure to eat lots of fruit and vegetables to keep up your Vitamin C levels and consider taking a multi-vitamin during the winter months.

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