I exercise regularly, but never know if I should continue my workouts when I’m feeling sick. Does it help or hurt?

"While studies show that exercising for at least 30 minutes several times a week can help you stay healthy, our immune system fights most effectively when it isn't stressed. So listen to your body when you feel sick, as a hard workout could weaken your immune system temporarily and potentially make your illness worse.."

– Dr. Tucker

What actually causes a common cold?

"Most common colds are caused by rhinoviruses ("rhino" means nose). No matter how you catch your cold, the cold actually breeds in your nose. The cold virus takes up residence in the nasal passages, multiplies there, and from there infects your body, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, etc."

– Dr. Tucker

Why is it important to sneeze into a tissue or crook of the arm when I have a cold; does it actually help at all?

"Many people treat their cold after it is too late, when their symptoms become severe. In fact, according to a recent survey of more than 500 pharmacists, 75% indicated that patients should purchase OTC cold and flu products at the first sign of symptoms while only 26% of patients actually do so. Colds can last up to two weeks so it's important to treat a cold early to nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. To do so, stay prepared by having the necessary cold remedies, like Zicam, on hand in the medicine cabinet so you can take it at the first sign of a cold."

– Dr. Tucker

When is the best time to take an over-the-counter cold and flu product?

"Sneezes can actually travel at a speed of up to 100 mph and the wet spray can radiate five feet. So, yes, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze can significantly reduce the spread of germs to others. And of course it’s important to wash your hands or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer after you sneeze so you don’t then transfer any germs to doorknobs, phones and other shared surfaces."

– Dr. Tucker

What are the best ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season

"There are many easy things you can do to prepare for cold and flu season. In addition to getting a flu shot, the best way to reduce your chances of catching a cold is to follow several precautionary measures and incorporate them into your daily routine including: washing your hands frequently, excercising, eating right, sleeping well and taking a daily multi-vitamin."

- Dr. Tucker

For a more comprehensive list of precautionary measures, go to Zicam's Tips for Staying Healthy page.

I often hear people say they have the Flu, when they really have a bad cold. What's the difference and how can you tell?

"Good question, and especially relevant this year with the advent of the H1N1 virus and people's heightened curiosity about how to tell the difference and stay prepared. Though colds and flus share the same symptoms – like sore throat, nasal congestion and sneezing – there are differences. The flu is usually marked by more intense symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches and dry cough. People with a cold are more likely to have a stuffy or runny nose. That’s because colds and flus are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. The leading cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus. There are 100+ strains of rhinoviruses (“rhino” means nose). "

- Dr. Tucker

Dr. Timothy Tucker, Pharm.D., FAPhA, is past president and a long-tenured, active board member of the American Pharmacists' Association (APhA) and a local pharmacist at City Drug Company in Huntingdon, TN. Each month, Dr. Tucker will answer pertinent cold and flu related questions to help keep you informed and better prepared for cold and flu season.