If you couldn't quite manage to prevent the flu bug, here's are some steps to consider:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminopen can help with a fever and other aches and pains. Acetaminopen (Tylenol) does not upset the stomach like ibuprofen can.
• Do not take antibiotics. They kill bacteria, but not the viruses that cause a cold or flu.
• Do not smoke. This will only make it worse.
• Use cough drops and gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat.
• Keep a humidifier in your bedroom and take hot showers to clear a stuffed up nose.
• For a red and raw nose, rub ointment on and around the area.

Expect three to four days for slight improvement, and up to 10 days for full recovery.

Adults have an average of two to four colds a year, mostly between September and May. Summer colds are relatively rare. Young children suffer from an average of six to eight colds a year.

Contact your doctor if you experience the following:

• Unusually severe cold symptoms.
• High fever.
• Ear pain.
• A cough that gets worse as other cold symptoms improve.
• A flare-up of asthma or any other chronic lung problem.