The common cold is a frequent and expensive disease, striking some people as many as 12 times a year, and leading to some 15 million days lost from work annually in the U.S. alone. Children catch a cold the most six or eight episodes a year. In contrast, adults average two to four episodes a year, with a greater frequency found in those with children. What's a cold? A cold is a self-limiting viral infection of the respiratory tract typically marked by a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose.

A person suffering a cold would usually have a body temperature that is normal or only slightly elevated. A mild cough may develop several days later. The cold virus can be spread easily. Tiny droplets in the air, such as from a cough or a sneeze, carry the virus from person to person. Direct personal contact, such as hand- shaking or kissing, transfer the virus as well. Most colds strike in the fall and winter in temperate countries, and during the cooler rainy season in tropical countries. Researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) say that this is probably due to the greater time spent indoors in cold weather, increasing the opportunity for viruses to spread among people. Also, the lower humidity during the colder months helps viruses thrive and may dry the lining of nasal passages, making people more susceptible to infection. Smoking, which destroys the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract, greatly increases the frequency of colds in adults.

Conventional treatment amazingly, modern medicine has not yet developed an efficient way to kill- cold viruses once they have invaded the body. Also, we do not acquire useful resistance to these viruses because there are over 200 of them, constantly mutating. The best way to handle a cold is to prevent it. If despite precautions, you do get a cold, doctors advise that you take an over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Most non- prescription cough-cold remedies contain a combination of ingredients to relieve multiple symptoms.

These combination products often contain anti-pyretics to reduce fever and analgesics to relieve minor aches, pains, and headaches. Many people rare convinced that taking vitamin C can prevent colds or relieve symptoms. There is no conclusive evidence of this, but the vitamin may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms, according to the NIAID. A word of caution: Taking vitamin C in large amounts over long periods can be harmful.

I. What a medical doctor will tell you:

* Take an antipyretic and analgesic if your temperature is over 102 F or if you experience severe muscle pain or weakness. Rest.

*Take lots of fluids. Water and chicken soup relieve symptoms, Avoid sweetened drinks and milk products.

*If you are clogged-up, take a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or oxymetazolIne.

*If you have profuse nasal discharge, take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine to dry up secretions.

*Take lozenges to relieve sore throat, zinc lozenges will stimulate immune system and destroy viruses .

*Take extra Vitamin C and A. Try taking garlic, Echinacea, and essential fatty acids to relieve symptoms and shorten course of illness.

*To avoid a cold, wash hands frequently and avoid humid, crowded plates, Do not touch nose, eyes, and mouth. Get into a good nutritional program.

II. What A Naturopathic Doctor Will Tell You

*If you have a fever, get lots of rest and Increase Intake if fluids Take multivitamins avoid cold, damp places Keep away from cold drinks.

*Take lots of fluids such as water and soup Drank juice from fresh pine apple, citrus fruit, or lime avoid sweetened drinks.

*If you are clogged-up Inhale steam from mixture of water and essential oil containing menthol or eucalyptus

*If you have profuse nasal discharge, help It along by Increasing fluid Intake to expel phlegm and nasal discharge

*For sore throat take lozenges with eucalyptus and sip chrysanthemum tea or ginger ale to boost Immune system

*Take buffered vitamin C for better absorption. Take Echinacea.

*Take herbal supplements. Consult an alternative medicine doctor on other methods to maintain well being.