Cold and flu are two conditions which, despite being similar, are distinct when compared to the symptoms experienced. Cold, generally, starts with an itchy throat and a little congestion. The onset of flu, however, is more sudden. When one has the flu, one wakes up with severe body pain and tiredness. A flu can be avoided or its severity can be reduced considerably by taking a flu shot in a timely manner. One often experiences congestion when one has a cold. This nasal congestion is often discomforting and tends to cause one to feel tired and heavy.

In both cold and sinusitis, congestion is common and breathing through the nose is severely impeded.

Drink plenty of fluids, the warmer the better. Soups, warm liquids, inhalation of steam, etc., provides the required protein to the body and it also helps in breaking down and providing efficient relief from cold and nasal congestion.

Inhalations of steam, with a few drops of eucalyptus oil or a few grains of menthol, help to loosen the congestion and eliminate the mucus gently out of the body. This is also an effective remedy which provides quick relief from cold and nasal congestion.

One should immediately seek medical attention if the congestion lasts for more than a week to ten days with a high fever.