At night you may try a mild antihistamine such as Dimetane or Chlor-Trimeton as these can cause drowsiness. Sucking on hard candy or throat lozenges can soothe the throat. For cough, use a cough suppressant such as Robitussin. A cold can lead to a more serious secondary bacterial infection. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that ranks as one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season.
Flu viruses can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
After a person has been infected with the virus, symptomps usually appear within 2 to 4 days. The infection is considered contagious for another 3 to 4 days after symptomps appear. The greatest risk of infection is in highly populated areas, where people live or work in crowded conditions, such as schools. Symptomps of flu usually begin with a headache, chills, and dry cough, which are followed rapidly by body aches, fever, and excessive tiredness. It usually puts you in bed for several days.