But you can't be a shut-in until spring. Instead, brush up on some cold and flu basics with help from Dr. Ted Epperly, Program Director and CEO of the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho.
How can I tell if I have the flu or just a really bad cold? What's the difference?
"Both are viruses, but colds attack the mucus linings of the ear, nose and throat, while influenza is inhaled deep in the lung and spreads through the bloodstream and lymphatic system," explains Dr. Epperly. The flu is a more systemic illness that infects millions of cells in your body, with devastating results. Over the last 30 years, the CDC estimates that, during the most severe seasons, more than 40,000 people have died from flu-related complications.
In other words, when you get the flu you'll definitely know it, says Dr. Epperly. "You're going to feel like you got beaten up. Symptoms include a high fever (typically above 101), chills, muscle aches and a dry, hacking cough. Whereas colds are marked by a sore throat, mild headaches, low-grade temperature (99-100.6), congestion and sneezing. You might be able to power through a cold. But a flu will kick your ass."
What are the most effective ways to avoid getting sick? Does Vitamin C and zinc ever help?
Despite the immunity-boosting claims of some supplements, the only practices that have been proven to work in cold- and flu-fighting are good hand washing, exercise, nutrition, fluid intake and sleep. "Vitamin C and all those herbal remedies have not been shown to make a lick of difference either in prevention or the duration of your cold," says Dr. Epperly. And, though zinc has many excellent properties (including helping to regulate body fat), there isn't much evidence to support it'll help ward off viruses or decrease the duration of an illness.
As for Purell or other hand sanitizers, Dr. Epperly approves, if only because they're more convenient than hand washing. But soaping up for 15 to 30 seconds in the sink (making sure to clean between your fingers) is still the method for eliminating viruses recommended most by doctors. You may be surprised at all the germ-infested things you touch every day. And if you think your hands are clean, click here for some shocking facts.
Can you really get a cold by going out in freezing weather?
Not likely at all. "The only way temperature is really going to increase your chance of infection is if your core body temperature drops a significant amount over a long period of time," says Dr. Epperly of the common misconception. "You'd have to be near hypothermia." In fact, despite what your mother has told you in the past, brief exposure to cold—a brisk outdoor run or walk around the block—can actually rev up your immune system and prevent illness. Still not convinced? Check out our full breakdown of cold and flu prevention strategies.
Can you sweat out a cold?
File this one in the urban myth file as well. "If you get dehydrated from trying to sweat your sickness out, it'll do more harm than good," warns Dr. Epperly. Yes, it's true that having a fever is your body's way of kickstarting your immune system. But artificially manufacturing heat is not going to make a difference in terms of cold duration, even if a warm towel over the face or a hot bath does make you feel good in the short term.
Is it dangerous to mix over-the-counter meds?
It's best to watch that drug cocktail mix, especially if you're combining guaiphenesin (an expectorant), pseudoephedrine (which relieves nasal congestion) and antihistamines."The impact could be extreme fatigue and mental alteration," Dr. Epperly says. "And the potential benefits are outweighed by the deleterious effects. But, in general, if you're a young, healthy person, these meds are unlikely to hurt you unless you're drinking alcohol or using multiple preparations of different things."
Dr. Epperly often advises his patients to stick with Tylenol to treat fever or muscle aches or maybe go with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory med like Motrin or Advil. Nasal sprays do work for heavy nasal congestion, but you shouldn't use for more than two or three days at a time (the rebound when coming off of it could be worse than the original symptoms). Of course, he said, "sometimes the best medicine is good hydration and, no joke, chicken soup."
When should you call a doctor?
If symptoms persist past 7 to 10 days (or two weeks, if you're a smoker), then you may want to consult a physician, says Dr. Epperly. Other warning signs that you may have something more serious: if your fever spikes past 103 degrees, if you're having trouble breathing or if you simply cannot keep down liquids and feel weak or dizzy when walking around, like you're about to pass out.
To avoid careless use of antibiotics, know that it's very rare for a common cold virus to lead to further complications (such as a sinus infection). Influenza, however, can cause pneumonia or deeper lung infections, so you may need to get checked out if symptoms linger for longer than a week, especially if you have other medical issues such as asthma or diabetes.
Of course, Men's Health is on call 24/7 to help you fight off the season's nastiest bugs. Be sure to check out our cold-killing remedies, along with the latest from our expert physicians blog.