Boost your immunity

During cold and flu season, you may reach for the hand sanitizer more often. Are you using these germ-killing gels properly and safely?

Becoming a pro at catching a cold could help you minimize your suffering during the most contagious season.

Hand-washing proves to be one of the simplest, yet most effective, methods for preventing the spread of germs and infection.

The normal treatment for flu is rest, plenty of liquids, and ASA, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen* to fight fever. Children and teenagers with flu shouldn't take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or other salicylates (medications related to aspirin, such as salsalate or magnesium salicylate). The combination of influenza and ASA is linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver.

Can taking extra vitamin C help ward off the common cold? Researchers and doctors are divided on this issue, but many people claim that taking daily vitamin C supplements provides protection against cold and flu viruses. Several studies have been conducted to try to determine if any link exists between vitamin C and the common cold.