The flu and the common cold are the reason for most unnecessary visits to the physicians office than any other type of sickness. With Swine Flu on the rise these visits have increased. Since the cold and flu are caused by viruses they can be almost always treated at home. There are lots of over the counter drugs that will help ease the pain while your body recovers.

An important sign that body is warding off the cold or flu is a runny nose, and sneezing this is the way the body removes germs and other irritants from the body. This is also the cause of spreading the virus as sneezing allows others to contract the virus from the air. Sneezing into your sleeve or using or tissue can help from spreading the virus to others. Since viruses are usually spread through direct contact frequent hand washing helps prevent spreading if you have a runny nose.

Excess mucous due to a runny nose is generally a symptom of the common cold or flu along with sore throat and coughing. Mucous that drips back into the throat can cause ear infections and additional pain. It can also lead to other infections and sinus pain.

Hay Fever can be a reason for excess mucous which also causes runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Usually Hay Fever lasts longer than most viral infections sometimes as long as weeks and months. The Spring and Fall are the times when Hay Fever is at its peak because more allergens and pollen tend to be in the air at these times. Dust mold and animal dander can cause flare ups of existing allergies in people thus causing runny noses.

Pain relievers like Advil, Alleve, and Tylenol can ease aches and pain associated with the virus. Generally these medications should be take later in the afternoon and at night since the symptoms usually get worse during these times of the day. Decongestants can aid in the shrinking of the nasal membranes and assist in breathing while antihistamines reduce secretions in the nose.

To prevent other complications such as bronchitis and ear infection drink lots of fluids to keep the mucous more fluid and loose. Blowing your nose more frequently which aids in moving the virus particles and allergens out of the body. As well as vaporizers work very well during the winter months to aid in running the mucous out of your nose easily. Avoid sniffing your running nose frequently as this may contribute to an ear infection. If symptoms last longer than two weeks you should contact you family doctor.

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