Cold and flu season can mean one illness after another. There are natural things you can do to boost your immunity, reduce the number of illnesses you get each year, and drastically shorten the number of days your are sick.

Common cold symptoms can vary and finding a product that works to relieve all of your symptoms may be difficult.

Over the counter products, such as antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants and analgesics are usually the only things that a doctor will recommend as common cold treatments.

Antibiotics will have no effect on common cold symptoms and will only be prescribed if complications, such as bacterial infection of the ears or sinuses are present. These medications may have a short term affect by masking symptoms but many produce side effects and toxins which must be filtered through your liver.

Natural remedies allow the body to heal itself with virtually no side effects. You should discuss these remedies with your doctor if you do become ill.

The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose.

Common cold symptoms include:

*sneezing

*runny or stuffy nose and difficulty breathing through the nose.

*Coughing usually results from irritation of the throat when nasal fluids drain into the throat.

The viruses that cause common cold symptoms may lead to upper respiratory or sinus infections. Blowing the nose forces mucus and bacteria into the sinuses and can lead to bacterial infection of the sinuses.

Symptoms may also include headache and fever.The headache results from irritation of the sinuses and stuffy nose and the fever is the body's reaction to the viral infection.

Herpes simplex virus type1 (HSV-1) causes about 80% of cold sores and is considered the main cold sore virus. Cold sore virus is generally latent in the nerve "ganglia", the area near the back of the jaw where the facial nerves connect with each other and the secondary nervous system. When emotional or physical stress causes the virus to become active, they travel to the surface through the nerves. Stress events that wake up the cold sore virus are illnesses such as colds (thus the term "cold sores") and fevers (thus the term "fever blisters"). In addition physical injuries, dental work, pregnancy, allergies, environmental toxins, medications, or an upcoming event such as a wedding or funeral causes cold sores.

Lysine not only helps keep the virus latent, but also encourages the virus to go back into hibernation if it is active. Foods rich in lysine include eggs, most vegetables, legumes, avocado, chicken, fish, turkey, and ricotta cheese or take a lysine supplement. Cold sores can be prevented with proper nutrition.

Good health is the best way to ward off colds and cold sores and is dependent on:

*a proper diet consisting of nutrient packed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables

*regular exercise

*no smoking

*limited alcohol consumption

*drinking lots of water to keep the toxins and impurities flushed out of your body

*adequate sleep

*Also it's wise to take a multiple vitamin supplement containing a large quantity of B vitamins (anti-stress vitamins)

*Vitamin C (500 to 1,000 mg)

*Zinc (10 to 25 mg) help boost the body's immunity

To help ward off colds and greatly improve your allergies, try nasal irrigation with warm water and a quarter teaspoon of salt or baking soda.

Taking Astragalus, (an herbal extract), green tea and blueberries are good sources of antioxidants also help boost the immune system.

Homeopathic remedies have been around for over 100 years and if taken at the first sign of sickness, they can greatly lesson the severity of symptoms.

These natural remedies contain no harsh chemicals or anything for people to be allergic to, Since flu can strike without warning, it's good to have an arsenal on hand, just in case.

1. Ginger tea is an anti-inflammatory and a great remedy for an upset stomach.

2. Echinacea herbal extract will help fight illness.

3. Elderberry extract can kill a virus before it takes hold in your body.

4. Garlic fights and defeats virus' in your body.

5. Cayenne pepper helps to fight colds by heating your body.

6. One homeopathic flu remedy is Oscillocococcinum.

If you are a person who is sick frequently, take a look at your overall health program. Rest, exercise and proper nutrition are the core of any wellness and immune boosting regimen. Happiness and a positive attitude also helps the body maintain good health.