Colds and influenza are the most common respiratory infections known to humans. People have been looking for cures for the common cold for over 3,000 years. There are probably as many household treatments for colds and influenza as there are viruses that cause these respiratory infections.

The common cold can be caused by one or several strains of over 100 viruses that affect the respiratory tract. These viruses are very contagious. They can be spread by moisture released during sneezing, coughing, or talking. In the case of children, hand to mouth contact during play can spread the virus. Although there is no sure cure for the common cold, some techniques that can provide relief are:
* drinking lots of fluids, especially water and fruit juice,
* cough syrup or lozenges to ease a sore throat,
* drugs, such as acetaminophen, for headaches or fever,
* a vaporizer, and mentholated ointment to reduce congestion, and
* yes, chicken soup does seem to help by mobilizing the immune system.

Influenza is also very contagious. It is transmitted very much like a cold. In addition, the flu can be spread by direct hand contact. Although the flu is usually considered to be a respiratory infection, it affects the entire body. Symptoms of the flu include fever and chills, fatigue, aching of the head and extremities, loss of appetite and, possibly, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat.

Influenza can be prevented with a flu shot. Flu shots are usually available in the fall of each year. High-risk individuals such as those with diabetes, heart, kidney, or chronic lung conditions, anemia, altered immune systems, and the elderly, are especially susceptible to the flu. They are encouraged to get a flu shot. Colds and flu are more common during the fall and winter months. In the past some people believed that cold weather, going outdoors with wet hair, or not being dressed warmly caused these respiratory illnesses. We now know that these illnesses are more likely to occur during these seasons because more people are indoors. This increases the chance of person to person spread of a cold or influenza virus.

If you experience frequent respiratory infections, or believe you are in a high risk group and might need a flu shot, contact your healthcare provider to arrange for an influenza vaccine. If you would like to learn more about the common cold and or influenza, contact your local chapter of the American Lung Association, or call (800) LUNG-USA.

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