Prevention is always better than cure. It is always recommended to do as many precautions as possible. Many people don’t take serious about common Cough, Cold and Flu, that could be very dangerous if it is Bird Flu, Swine (H1N1) Flu, etc. We must take extra precautions even though common cold and flu usually goes away with no lasting effects. But high-risk children and adults may develop complications (such as: Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma flare-ups, Sinus infections, Ear infections, etc.). You must know yourself. Always ask your Family Doctor before trying any over the counter medications or natural remedy etc. Below are few tips:

Tip-1:  Cover yourself, depending upon severity of cold (below 22-C or 72-F). For extreme cold you will sure need very special kinds of clothing etc., preferably multiple layers of good material clothing from head-to-toe by keeping your eyes and nose open. Tip is neither you get sweat on wearing those clothing nor feel cold. Sometimes you may need cap and sweater inside building for prevention. Wash your hands more often.

Tip-2: Ask your Family Doctor if you can use following medications on first signs of symptoms:

a) Oil of wild Oregano (few drops), four times a day.
b) Do Gargle with Apple Cider Vinegar or Hot Salty Water.
c) Herbal Tea (Ginger, Licorice, Green Tea, Johar Joshanda etc.), with honey, repeat as required..JOHAR JOSHANDA can be purchased from your spice store
d) Spoon of Honey with Black Pepper and Cinnamon Powder, four times a day.
e) Take Chicken or Vegetable soup.
f)  Fisherman’s friend extra strong lozenges, repeat as required.
g) Drink as much hot water as you can during the day.
h) Quarter teaspoon of virgin olive oil before going to bed, without water if your throat is dry.
i) Use Humidifier during dry season or if you are using heater during winter.
j) Reactine/Claritin/Allegra (once a day), Allergy medication.
k) If symptoms do not improve in few days, then ask your Family Doctor.

Tip-3: If weather is changing or you are travelling, then you must take extra precautions.

Tip-4:  If you have severe symptoms, avoid going into public gatherings, otherwise you may spread it.

Natural home remedy using honey and cinnamon powder:

1. Take 1 tsp of honey in a bowl
2. Place it in 1 bowl of hot water to make it warm
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to the honey
4. Mix well
5. Have this 2 times a day

Natural home remedy using onion and honey:

1. Take 1 mashed onion
2. Press it on a sieve and extract the juice
3. Add 1 tbsp of honey
4. Mix well
5. Drink 1 tsp 3 times a day

Natural home remedy using fenugreek powder, lemon juice, honey and ginger paste:

1. Take 1 glass of hot water
2. Add 4 tsp of fenugreek powder
3. Add 4 tsp of lemon juice
4. Add 1 tsp of honey
5. Add 1 tsp of ginger paste
6. Mix well
7. Boil for 15 min

• This remedy enhances sweating and reduces fever.

Honey and Ginger
Honey is a popular ingredient in Indian home cough remedies. Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 2 tbsp. of water, then add 1/4 tsp. of red pepper, 1/4 tsp. of ground ginger, and 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar. Take once a day for cough. According to whfoods.com, honey has antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities

Marwa (marjoram)
Marwa, or marjoram, is also used as a cough suppressant in Indian home remedies. Steep 2 tsps. dried marjoram in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drink for cough as needed.