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.
Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what you should do when you get sick
Can Homeopathy help with a Cold or Flu
There are many effective homeopathic remedies for flu and cold symptoms, which can help lessen the symptoms and shorten your recovery time. Homeopathic treatment is most effective when used at the beginning of the illness, prior to taking a lot of suppressive or over the counter drugs which could remove or alter your symptoms. This is because the remedy that is chosen is based on the signs and symptoms the body exhibits, and the clearer they are, the easier it is to find the correct remedy. Additionally, your constitutional remedy is the best preventive for colds and flus. Be sure it is up to date.
Guide to Symptoms of Cold and Flu
Here is a guide to help you determine what you have and when to get help. Remember this is JUST a guide and not a diagnosis. When in doubt, see a professional.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Usually, can be as high as 102-104?F for 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Usually and can be severe |
| Aches and Pains | Possibly slight | Usually and can be severe |
| Fatigue and Weakness | Slight | Up to 2-3 weeks |
| Exhaustion | Never | Occurs early and prominently |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate | Common and can be severe |
| Complications | Sinus or ear problems | Bronchitis, pneumonia, can be life-threatening |
When do I seek professional help?
You should seek treatment if there is no improvement in your symptoms or a worsening of your symptoms after three days. Always seek help if the fever persists beyond three days or there is any trouble breathing. Any time a severe headache or stiff neck is part of the picture along with a high fever, seek advice, as it could be a serious infection.
In the case of children, always seek help if they seem lethargic, listless or unresponsive. This is highly unusual behavior in a child and can be a sign of more severe illness.