Seems like the colds are getting more virulent and lasting longer each season. I had an upper respitory infection this fall that lasted for weeks and the cough and nasal congestion lasted weeks after that.

Warding off these nasties is not always possible, but keeping our immune systems strong with common sense precautions/old-wives' cures can help.

• Drink lots of fluids (good rule: half your body weight in ounces every day. 150 lb. individual = 75 oz. H2O/day)
• Get lots of sleep (straight eight or more)
• Eat lots of fruits & vegetables (50% eaten raw, 50% eaten cooked is a good ratio)
• Wash hands often, of course. No need to get OCD about it, but try not to touch your face until you've washed your hands when you've been out in public or near someone who's ill.
• Keep warm. Low body temperatures weaken your immune system and bugs that your body was effectively fighting off will jump in and get you if you get too chilled.

Do I follow such excellent advice myself? Not always, hence my viral pharyngitis this fall. What to do when the nasties stick? Common sense pallatives that have worked for me:

• Hot showers clear the sinuses beautifully, though temporarily.
• Neti Pot nasal washes gently get your sinuses clean. I've never found a better all-around remedy for noses, whether it be cold or allergy season.
• Elderberry extract for coughs--it's the best. If you can find it in a honey base, so much the better.
• Warm compresses on the chest for bronchitis. Sleeping with a heating pad on low can really help. Sleeping elevated helps, too.
• Hydrotherapy always helps me, if done as soon as I feel the cold taking hold. The DIY technique: Right before you go to bed for the night, take a long, hot, hot bath to raise your body temp, put on cold, wet cotton socks then warm, dry wool socks over that, climb in bed with plenty of warm covers, and sweat it out.
• Homemade chicken soup, noodles optional. Throw a fryer in a large pot with onions, garlic, a tablespoon of peppercorns and let it simmer half the day. Strain the broth into a soup pot, add any veggies you like, simmer till soft. Debone the chicken, cut up and throw back in stock. It's THE comfort food for colds, and quick.
• Homemade Chai Tea. It helps ward off a cold when you feel it coming. Also, very comforting and warming in the cold, wet months.