4 ways to fight the cold or flu

Here are some simple and effective remedies that will stop the coughing, sneezing and other symptoms that are making you miserable.

• Coughing and nasal congestion, symptoms of the common cold, appear three or four days after you've caught the virus.
• The flu is more severe, and it often hits you faster than a cold.
• The flu causes you to ache all over and is often accompanied by chills, headaches, sweats and an elevated temperature.

The body needs lots of clear fluids when it is hit with a cold or flu virus. Fluids keep the body hydrated and help flush out toxic byproducts.

• Hot fluids such as herbal teas will warm your throat and fight the cold viruses, which tend to multiply in temperatures around 32°C.
• Homemade chicken soup has been used for centuries to combat colds and the flu because not only does it relieve congestion, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate the body and deplete valuable vitamin C from the body.

Zinc fights infection. If your body does not have enough zinc, your immune system will suffer.

• Beef, beans, lentils and pumpkin seeds are all good sources of the element.
• At the onset of a cold, a good dose of zinc such as zinc lozenges from the pharmacy may also stop your cold from developing.

Certain foods will help to ease your cold and flu symptoms:

• Mustard, horseradish or other spicy foods can help clear a congested nose.
• Garlic contains two components that have direct anti-viral effects, hitting and destroying the flu virus before it can develop. Garlic also helps fight off bacteria by increasing white blood cell production. Add it to whatever you fancy – soups, stir fries, salad dressings or atop vegetables.
• Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc.

Your immune system needs time to rest and recover when you're under the weather.

• If you can, stay at home for a few days and relax.
• This also helps prevent others from catching your illness in the workplace.
• The flu can be more serious if you are over 65 and for people with other medical conditions. In these cases, see your doctor.

The flu and common cold are viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics, and they have the potential to affect you for at least several days. Deal with your symptoms with these feel-better tips.