Ultimate cold and flu survival kit:

• Soap and hand sanitizer. Look for hand sanitizers that contain at least 65 percent ethanol or isopropanol.

• Warm salt water for gargling or throat lozenges or spray to ease sore-throat pain.

• For coughs, try a spoonful of honey. Remember, while over-the-counter cough suppressants might ease adult symptoms, they aren’t recommended for those 5 and younger.

• Thermometer. High fever is reason to stay home.

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease fever and muscle aches. Remember that aspirin has been linked to the rare but serious illness known as Reye’s syndrome in children 12 and younger.

• Tissues. Protect others from catching what you have by using tissues to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

• Humidifier, to ease cough and cold symptoms, as well as reduce cold and flu risk.

• Stay hydrated, so stock up on liquids such as soups and herbal teas.

• Consider zinc lozenges or lollipops, although federal health officials say studies have been inconclusive about the effectiveness of the non-prescription approach to cold relief.

• Echinacea, a non-prescription herbal supplement, has shown some benefit in easing adult cold symptoms. But evidence is lacking that it will prevent colds.

Sorry, but there is still no proof vitamin C will prevent colds or speed recovery.

When to stay home

The following symptoms are reason to call in sick from work or school:

• Fever. A temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater. Stay home for 24 hours after fever disappears.

• Vomiting. Stay home for 24 hours after vomiting stops.

• Diarrhea. The person’s age and symptoms help determine how long to stay home. Adults and older children sure to wash their hands can safely return to work or school faster than younger children.

• Cough and colds. Consider the person’s age and symptoms. Someone sure to keep tissues on hand, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands or use sanitizing gels often.

• Consider keeping any infant who is younger than 6 months old at home during the cold and flu season, said Dr. John DeVincenzo, a University of Tennessee Health Science Center associate professor. They face the greatest risk from the respiratory syncytial virus, he said.

Trying to cope with seasonal illnesses

Flu:  Unlike colds, influenza hits like Dorothy’s house in “The Wizard of Oz” – fast and hard.

Anti-viral prescription medicine taken within 48 hours will ease symptoms and speed recovery by a day or two. But flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help.

Symptoms usually last a week or two. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. While non-prescription medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen might ease fever and muscle aches, they won’t speed recovery.

Schedule a doctor’s visit if symptoms worsen after 48 hours of taking it easy and getting plenty of fluids. A doctor might order a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.

“At any point you are worried, it is a good idea to go in and see the doctor,” said Dr. David Richardson, medical director of the Delta Medical Center emergency room in Memphis, Tenn. Temperatures of 102.5 degrees or higher are cause for concern. So is dehydration. Richardson said a dry mouth and a lack of urination are both signs of dehydration.

For some high-risk patients with a high fever and worsening symptoms, the hospital emergency room is the best option, said Robert G. Miller, a family-practice doctor in suburban Memphis. “If they are going downhill, it is fine to go to the emergency room or the doctor’s office if someone has the flu and is very elderly” or has diabetes, emphysema or other chronic health problems, he said.

 Colds:  Children average six to 12 colds per year, each lasting a week or two on average. “It will be difficult (for children) to avoid getting a cold,” said Dr. Robert Riikola, a Memphis pediatrician.

Adults average two to four colds a year, although by age 60 the average drops to less than one annually. Miller said adults who take care of their health and are vigilant about hand-washing can largely avoid colds.

Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics and other prescription medicines won’t help end them sooner. “Typically, patients don’t need to see a doctor,” Riikola said. The exception are patients who develop fever four or five days after symptoms begin. “I suggest they come in and get checked. They could be getting an ear or sinus infection,” he said.

for the ear infections and otitis media  use the eardoc.

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