Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms
Fever(01 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes: high fever of 102°F (39°C) to 104°F (40°C), lasts three to four daysCold symptom?: Rarely (credit:kiatipol via Getty Images)
Headache(02 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes, can be severeCold symptom?: Rarely (credit:Colin Hawkins via Getty Images)
Runny, Stuffy Nose(03 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: YesCold symptom?: Yes (credit:kristian sekulic via Getty Images)
Aches And Pains(04 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes, often severeCold symptom?: Sometimes, often mild (credit:milla1974 via Getty Images)
Tired And Weak(05 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes, can last for two to three weeksCold symptom?: Sometimes, often mild (credit:Paul Bradbury via Getty Images)
Extreme Fatigue(06 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes, one of the first symptomsCold symptom?: No (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)
Sneezing(07 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: OccasionallyCold symptom?: Yes (credit:Trevor Williams via Getty Images)
Sore Throat(08 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: YesCold symptom?: Yes (credit:ajijchan via Getty Images)
Coughing(09 of21)
Open Image ModalFlu symptom?: Yes, can be severeCold symptom?: Sometimes, usually mild (credit:BananaStock via Getty Images)
NEXT: Top Foods For Your Immune System(10 of21)
Open Image ModalGood Old Chicken Noodle Soup (11 of21)
Open Image ModalGrandma was right -- nothing beats chicken soup for fending off sniffles. Not only does it provide the fluids needed to help fight off viruses, it's a powerful mucus stimulant so it helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus. It's also thought to have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease cold symptoms. Keep some organic chicken stock on hand, because studies have found that even commercial soup is as effective as homemade. (credit:Shutterstock)
Healers With Flavour (12 of21)
Open Image ModalIf you want to punch up the healing power of your chicken soup - or any other dish -- add plenty of garlic and onions. When combined, these flavorful healers contain numerous antiseptic and immunity boosting compounds. As an added plus, garlic helps to open clogged sinuses. (credit:Shutterstock)
Shroom It Away (13 of21)
Open Image ModalNo herbal medicine cabinet should be without mushrooms. They increase the production of cytokines, which are cells that help fight off infection. They also contain polysaccharides, which are compounds that support the immune system. The most potent cold- and flu-fighting 'shrooms are shitake, maitake and reishi. (credit:Shutterstock)
Keep The Citrus (14 of21)
Open Image ModalCitrus fruits contain hefty doses of powerhouse vitamin C. Studies have found that this antioxidant can reduce cold symptoms by 23 percent, and all that's needed is just one to eight grams (1,000 to 8,000 milligrams) to do the trick. Besides citrus fruits, other foods that have high amounts of vitamin C include papaya, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts and red bell peppers. (credit:Shutterstock)
Why Yogurt Works (15 of21)
Open Image ModalStudies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt each day can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25 per cent. The beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus reuteri which has been found to block the replication of viruses that invade the body when we get sick. Not all brands have that particular bacteria, so check labels and be sure to go organic. (credit:Shutterstock)
Immune-Boosting Supplements (16 of21)
Open Image ModalWhile yogurt is a great source of probiotics, some have more than others and we can really benefit by taking an additional supplement. Other immune-booster "musts" are vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acid. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sipping Tea (17 of21)
Open Image ModalHot tea is soothing and a great home remedy, helping to thin mucus and ensure proper hydration. For added health benefit, sip green or black tea -- both are filled with flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. (credit:Shutterstock)
Ginger Aid (18 of21)
Open Image ModalGinger comes to the aid when we're sick in some powerful ways. Besides soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target rhinoviruses - which are the most common family of cold viruses - as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Ginger is also a natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you'll feel more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent brew). (credit:Shutterstock)
Honey, My Immune System Rocks (19 of21)
Open Image ModalHoney has numerous medicinal properties and because it coats your throat it is a natural way to soothe sore throats. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Skip the common clover honey that you'll find in the supermarket as it has the lowest antioxidant level. Look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest. (A note of caution: never give honey to children under one years of age because their immune systems are not developed enough to ward off infantile botulism, which is carried in honey spores.)
Get Peppy (20 of21)
Open Image ModalIt's ironic that black pepper -- the spice best known for making you sneeze -- can ward off the sniffles. Black peppercorns are high in piperine, a compound known for its anti-fever and pain-relieving qualities. (credit:Shutterstock)
Make It Spicy (21 of21)
Open Image ModalMake recipes more flavorful with garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano -- while spicing things up, you'll also get an added kick of immune-busters, too. (credit:Shutterstock)