Many of the basic, common-sense therapies that mothers and grandmothers have depended on through the years are still valid. They told us to drink lots of liquids, get plenty of rest, for example. Dr. Hardy directs the Integrative Medicine Medical Group at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a program that integrates Western medical practice with botanical medicine, traditional Chinese approaches, acupuncture and other alternative therapies.
Many people say 'cold and flu' when referring to nonspecific viral infections.
The elderly and anyone with chronic health problems or a compromised immune system should be vaccinated against influenza. And if an illness comes on suddenly rather than gradually, includes high fever, enlarged lymph nodes or severe body aches, they should consult their physician immediately. In fact, aggressive treatment at the earliest onset of symptoms will sometimes limit severity or even abort a cold. Water Flowing from the faucet, pumped from a well or dipped from a babbling stream, water has been the mainstay of cold care for eons. Add a dash of salt to warm water to gargle away a sore throat.