Understanding the Difference Between Cold & Flu

Whether you’ve been knocked for six by flu virus symptoms or you’ve had some of the symptoms of a cold, there are some treatments that will help provide relief.

If your cold and flu virus symptoms include a dry or hacking cough, there is recent evidence to suggest that an over-the-counter treatment containing glycerol (sugar) may help provide relief. ^iv Often flavoured with ingredients such as honey and lemon, researchers say it is an effective treatment. ^v

You may have heard the age-old adage, ‘feed a cold and starve a fever’, but studies have shown there is little truth in these old wives’ cold and flu remedies. Experts at the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff instead found that people with flu virus symptoms often lose their appetite. They say the key is to eat healthy food to keep your strength up, but there is no need to force it down if you have heavy cold symptoms. ^vi