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by Sherry Baker The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) estimates Americans suffer a billion colds a year, or two to four colds per person. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that even in a mild flu season, 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population may become infected. Figures like that are nothing to sneeze at-but experts say you can lower the chances you or your children will catch a cold this winter simply by washing your hands frequently and avoiding other people who are coughing and sneezing. As for the flu, CDC Influenza Branch medical epidemiologist Carolyn Bridges, M.D., says the most formidable weapon is the flu vaccine, which protects against the three strains of influenza believed most likely to cause illness this flu season. Bridges advises everyone to opt for a flu shot, preferably in the late fall or early winter, when flu usually hits full force. Although the optimal time to get a flu shot is October or November, the vaccine should continue to be administered in December and later. Flu activity typically peaks in January or later in the United States. There are some high-risk individuals who should make a special effort to receive the vaccine, Bridges says: anyone with a chronic condition, anyone over 50, women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, residents of nursing homes and children of any age who are on long-term aspirin therapy. In addition, for the first time, the CDC and American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) are encouraging flu shots for babies between the ages of six and 23 months inclusive. Flu Fighters What else can keep you safe from the sniffles and flu? While there are a lot of theories floating around on the Internet and in health-food stores, the CDC's Bridges says no special diet or supplement is going to cold- and flu-proof you and your kids. However, she does suggest getting enough rest and eating balanced meals to boost general immunity. And Keyserling adds that there's no scientific evidence that the often-touted cold preventatives vitamin C and the herb echinacea work. However, there is some tantalizing research that chicken soup may be more than comfort food. A study by Nebraska Medical Center researchers published in the medical journal Chest concluded chicken soup contains some possibly cold-busting anti-inflammatory substances.
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You know the feeling: a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, headache and body aches. There's no question you're getting sick-but just how sick? Are you wrestling with a simple case of the sniffles or about to receive a full body slam from the dreaded flu? Either one can add up to time out of work and school, feeling awful and, sometimes, serious health complications. 