Ask the Expert
How can I tell if I am suffering from a cold or a seasonal allergy?

Your nose is stuffy, your throat is scratchy and the sneezing won’t stop. But is it a cold? Maybe, but maybe not. While the misery caused by colds and allergies have a lot in common, usually the simplest way to tell the difference is the duration of the symptoms you experience. Seasonal allergies last much longer than the typical length of a cold, which generally runs a few days to a week. Timing is also key. Seasonal allergies often occur in fall and spring. While colds spike in the winter, we are susceptible to them throughout the year.

What is the difference between the common cold and the flu?

While there are similarities between cold alert (influenza) symptoms, cold sufferers generally experience a milder illness. Colds and flus are caused by completely different viruses. People struck with the flu can experience severe symptoms including fever, body aches, headaches, chills, exhaustion, and weakness, in addition to cough, congestion and sore throat. Laboratory testing directed by your doctor can help confirm a flu diagnosis.

What causes a cold?

Contrary to long-held myths, you cannot catch a cold from "cold" weather, going out with wet hair or getting caught in a draft. The majority of common colds are caused by rhinoviruses that multiply in the nasal passages. They can then infect your body, causing symptoms like congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue, feverishness and chills.

Every time I fly, it seems I catch a cold. What cold-fighting tips can you offer the frequent traveler?

Air filled with "recirculating germs" on planes is a myth. Instead, people who travel often can get sick for several reasons. Sick passengers in close proximity to one another may be spreading germs through uncovered coughs, sneezes, as will unwashed hands touching common areas such as tray tables and overhead bins. Wash your hands, and if you are sitting with a fellow passenger who seems to be sneezing and coughing a lot, offer them a tissue. Frequent travelers also are susceptible to low immunity as a result of jet lag, unhealthy on-the-run diets and lack of regular exercise. Travelers feeling a hint of a cold should not wait to treat it. Zicam offers a variety of cold remedy medicines that can help stem a cold if taken at the first sign of symptoms.

The holidays are such a stressful time for me and I usually catch a cold. Any advice?

The crush of holiday shopping, the madness of travel and the pressure to impress visitors is enough to level even the healthiest person's immunity. Creating a lifestyle of balance can be extremely challenging during the holidays. The best way to protect yourself from a cold during the holidays is to create as much normalcy to your schedule as possible. While ‘tis the season for holiday cheer, try to limit late nights and your intake of alcohol and foods high in sugar and fat, which can chip away at the immune system. Steal away moments for yourself when possible for reflection, deep breathing, and gentle stretches to promote well being. And of course, step up hand washing and sanitizing of common areas in your home.

Is there anything I can do to build up my immunity to a cold to help me get through cold alert season?

Taking steps to improve your overall health and wellness is always a good idea, regardless of the season. The first step begins with maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and leafy green vegetables. I also recommend increasing consumption of foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as wild-caught, freshwater salmon, mackerel, herring, as well as walnuts and soybeans. Another important step is regular exercise. You do not need to run marathons—a brisk 30-minute walk a few times a week will improve your overall health and immunity. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep most nights of the week—studies show that sleep deprivation increases your chances of catching a cold. Finally, stress reduction is extremely important in improving overall wellness. Make time for moments of relaxation and reflection. While no guarantee for preventing colds, these healthy behaviors will help you feel better overall, and help keep you healthy.

What's the best way to treat a cold?

Rest and an increase in fluid intake are important in relieving cold symptoms. However, many people wait too long before taking over-the-counter medicines such as Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts or Cold Remedy Oral Mist, which can help get rid of your cold faster. Colds can last for a few days or up to two weeks, so early treatment can help put the lid on symptoms before they become severe. Have Zicam Cold Remedy products on hand to take at the first sign of a cold—within the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

My mother recommends that I take lots of vitamin C and eat chicken soup to get rid of my cold.
remedies like that work?

Our moms were right about many things, but many of the remedies we all grew up with don't work. Chicken soup will help keep you hydrated, and may make you feel better, but it won't get rid of your cold. And there is no evidence that vitamin C will help you get over your cold faster. There is research that shows that zinc-based remedies like Zicam will help shorten the duration of your cold if you take it within the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of your symptoms.

How do I keep my kids from spreading germs?

It can be tough to get kids to wash their hands. But getting children to wash their hands properly is actually tougher. Teach kids to not only use soap and warm water, but to wash their hands while singing the alphabet song or "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." This should lengthen the hand-washing process so the soap can do its job of killing or removing germs. Anti-bacterial soap is great, but it will not kill cold germs. Regular soap will do the trick if hand washing is done frequently and correctly. Parents on the go should keep hand sanitizer in the purse or car, and they and their children should use it after trips to public places like the supermarket, playground, birthday parties or school functions. Routinely sanitize your children's toys and disinfect common areas in the home such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces as well as door handles.