Here we are again in the midst of cold and flu season and everyone around you is sneezing, coughing and complaining of a sinus headache. Is it a simple cold or a more serious flu? Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what you should do when you get sick — whether you should see a doctor, take over the counter medicine, call your homeopath or climb into bed and just wait it out.

Here is a guide to help you determine what you have, what to do and when to get help.

Symptoms of Cold

Fever - Rare
Headache - Rare
Aches and Pains - Slight possibility
Fatigue and Weakness - Slight
Exhaustion - Never
Stuffy Nose - Common
Sneezing - Common
Sore Throat - Common
Chest Discomfort,Cough - Mild to moderate
Complications - Sinus or ear

Symptoms of Flu

Fever - Usually, can be as high as 102-104˚F for 3-4 days
Headache - Usually and can be severe
Aches and Pains - Usually and can be severe
Fatigue and Weakness - Up to 2-3 weeks
Exhaustion - Occurs early and prominently
Stuffy Nose - Sometimes
Sneezing - Sometimes
Sore Throat - Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough - Common and can be severe
Complications - Bronchitis, pneumonia, can be life-threatening problems

Seek homeopathic treatment if you experience no improvement after 3 days or if symptoms worsen. Your constitutional remedy is the best preventive for colds and flus. Be sure it is up to date!