When the winter season hits, viral infections such as the cold and the flu become a common occurrence. These illnesses have similar symptoms and can leave you feeling sick for a couple of days or even weeks.

In this article, we will help you determine whether you’re experiencing a cold or the flu, and suggest some things you can sip to find relief.

The Common Cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. It’s usually considered relatively harmless but can leave you feeling miserable for 7-10 days. The symptoms of the common cold can include:.

Coughing
Sneezing
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue and weakness
Muscle aches

The Flu

The flu is a viral infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs, and can last for two weeks or longer. It’s more severe than a cold and often symptoms come on suddenly. The flu can have symptoms such as:.

Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue and weakness

What to Sip for Relief

Whether you have a cold or the flu, there are things you can sip to help ease your symptoms and make you feel better:.

Hot Tea with Honey

Hot tea with honey can help soothe a sore throat and ease coughing. Honey has antibacterial properties which can also help you recover from a cold or the flu.

Drinking fluids can also help keep you hydrated, which is essential to help flush out the virus in your system. You can try chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea to help with nausea.

Broth-based Soup

Broth-based soup can help you fight illnesses. Chicken soup, for example, can help to reduce inflammation, clear out mucus, and provide you with the necessary nutrients for a rapid recovery.

Hot liquids such as soup can also help ease congestion, dehydration, and related discomfort.

Hot Lemon Water with Ginger

Hot lemon water with ginger can help reduce symptoms of the flu, including sore throat, cough, and fever. Ginger helps to relieve congestion and nausea, while the vitamin C in lemon provides an immune system boost.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea is a herbal tea known for its immune-system-boosting properties. Echinacea can help improve the function of your immune system, thus helping you fight off colds and flu.

It is an excellent choice if you want to stay healthy throughout the season.

When to See a Doctor

If you have symptoms that last longer than ten days, you should talk to your doctor. A doctor can perform a test or exam to help determine whether you have a cold or the flu, and can provide medication that can get you back on your feet.

Conclusion

A cold or the flu can leave you feeling sick and run down, but the right remedies can help ease your symptoms and help speed recovery. Try some of the things we suggested, and you will be back to your healthy self soon.