Cold and Flu Medical Reference
- How to Treat the Flu
The flu can turn into a serious condition if not treated. Learn about flu treatments, from over-the-counter and prescription medicines to supplements.
- H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu)
Learn about the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu), including what causes it, and its symptoms, tests, treatments, and prevention.
- Pandemics
WebMD explains pandemics, epidemics, and outbreaks, how they are classified, and how to prevent against contracting diseases such as the flu and SARS.
- 6 Immune System Busters & Boosters
Are you doing all you can to strengthen your immune system? WebMD tells you which habits might be costing you immunity – and ways you can fight back.
- Flu Test: How to Find the Virus
Find out how a flu test can help you feel better sooner.
- Is It a Stomach Flu or Influenza?
Is it stomach flu -- officially called gastroenteritis -- or influenza? Learn the differences so you can treat your symptoms properly.
- What Is the Flu?
Learn more from WebMD about the flu, including causes, symptoms, types, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
- Types of Flu
Learn more from WebMD about different strains of flu and how they can be prevented.
- The Flu Vaccine: Get the Facts
You’ve heard that you need a flu shot. But which one is best? What are the side effects? Get the facts.
- How Does the Flu Affect Older Adults?
Learn the facts about flu in older adults, including strategies for prevention and treatment.
- How to Prevent the Flu
Nervous about catching the flu this season? Try these key strategies for flu prevention.
- Children and the Flu
Learn more from WebMD about children and the flu - symptoms to look for, treatment, prevention, and when to seek medical care.
- Can I Exercise With a Cold or the Flu?
Exercise is vital for good health, but what about when you have a cold or the flu? Find out when to take it easy, and when it’s safe to hit the gym again.
- Pregnancy and the Flu
WebMD explains the risk of flu during pregnancy and tells you how to prevent and treat this illness to minimize problems.
- Flu Treatment
WebMD explains how to treat flu symptoms - including what to take and what to avoid.
- Flu Symptoms
Do you know how you might feel with flu symptoms? Learn more about the symptoms of flu and what to expect.
- Heart Disease and the Flu
If you have heart disease, learn what you can do to prevent, manage, and treat flu. Read about flu symptoms, and learn when you should call your doctor.
- What Should I Eat When I Have the Flu?
Wondering what to eat when you have the flu? WebMD offers diet recommendations for soothing symptoms and boosting the immune system.
- What Are Flu Complications?
Learn more about common flu complications, what to look out for, and when to call the doctor.
- Asthma and Flu
If you have asthma, getting the flu can be particularly dangerous. WebMD explains how the flu can affect asthma.
- What Causes the Flu?
WebMD explains the flu virus, including types, why it's more prevalent in the winter, and what to do to avoid catching it.
- What Is Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?
Answers to your questions about FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine that may help you prevent the flu this year.
- Prevent the Flu: Boost Your Immune System
Want to sidestep being sick? Learn some easy lifestyle changes that can rev up your immune system and help to prevent colds and flu.
- What to Know if You Have HIV/AIDS and the Flu
Getting flu when you have HIV or AIDS can result in developing flu complications such as pneumonia. Learn more about flu and HIV/AIDS and find out how to prevent serious problems.
- Home Remedies for Colds
Looking for a natural cold remedy? Get 12 tips for fighting off a cold naturally.
- Complications of the Common Cold
The common cold is usually no cause for concern, but it can sometimes lead to other infections that require a trip to the doctor.
- 9 Tips to Ease Flu Symptoms
Sick with the flu? Here are 10 simple tips to ease your symptoms and get you back on your feet quickly.
- FAQ: Cough and Cold Medicines
Store shelves are full of cold medicines claiming they'll make you feel better. How do you know which one(s) to take? Learn how to make the best choices.
- Children and Colds
Learn more about children and colds: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and home remedies.
- A Guide to Cough Medicine
Need something to stop that cough? Learn more about the ingredients and purposes of the various types of cough syrup and cough medicine so you get the right treatment.
- Can Vitamin C Help My Cold?
Can vitamin C really help prevent or even treat colds? Learn more about vitamin C's role in keeping you well this cold season.
- Get Relief From the Aches and Pains of a Cold
Got a stuffy cold that's making you hurt? Learn more from WebMD about what you can do to get relief from the aches and pains.
- Decongestants & Antihistamines for the Common Cold
Do you know the difference between decongestants and antihistamines? Find out about these medicines and whether they'll help your cold symptoms.
- Kids' Cold Medicines: Guidelines
Aside from a lack of evidence that cold and cough medicines are effective, over-the-counter drugs may be dangerous for children. WebMD explains which drugs to avoid.
- What Are Your Odds of Getting the Flu?
Answers to general and specific questions about the flu, including the 2015-16 flu season, the virus's incubation period, and the number of people who die from the flu.
- Doctor Talk: A Glossary of Flu Terms
Medical terms related to the flu can be confusing. Here are brief definitions for common terms you may hear from your doctor or friends.
- Flu Shot or Nasal Spray?
Each type of flu vaccine has its advantages, so read these facts before deciding on the flu shot or the nasal spray.
- How to Soothe Your Child’s Cold
WebMD explains how to ease your child's cold symptoms - and when to call the doctor.
- Flu Vaccines for Children Under 2
Children 6 months and older should be vaccinated for the flu. Learn more about the flu vaccine in children under 2.
- Flu Emergency: When to Call a Doctor
Learn more from WebMD about flu-related complications that require a call to your doctor.
- Flu: Pandemics
Get more information on flu pandemics.
- Echinacea for the Common Cold
WebMD explores the use of the herb echinacea to prevent and treat the common cold.
- Is It a Common Cold or Allergies?
WebMD explains how to tell the difference between a common cold and allergies.
- Flu or Cold Symptoms?
Do you have flu or cold symptoms? Learn more about the two and how to tell the difference.
- Common Cold
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose — everyone knows the first signs of a cold. Learn more from WebMD about who, when, and why colds are so common.
- Can Antibiotics Treat My Cold?
Antibiotics won't help your cold, yet many people assume they will. Here's why using antibiotics for a virus is a bad idea.
- When a Cold Becomes a Sinus Infection
WebMD explains sinusitis, an infection that can occur in the wake of a cold or with allergies.
- What's Causing My Cold?
Just what is causing your misery? Learn more about the hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold.
- Vitamin C for the Common Cold
WebMD explains the role vitamin C plays in preventing and treating the common cold.
- Nasal Sprays for Cold Relief
Nasal sprays may help if your cold has given you a stuffy nose. Learn about the types of sprays and which might make you breathe better.