VALPARAISO | When it comes to staying healthy during the blustery cold winter months, Porter Physician Candice Yu-Fleming, MD, says she tells her patients the most important thing they can do is to get a flu shot and try to stay out of environments known to have a lot of germs. That is particularly important, she says, for those who have compromised immune systems.

Colds and the flu most often occur around the same time of year and both have unpleasant symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two.

The most common symptoms of a cold include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and cough or chest discomfort. Treatment for these symptoms is available through over the counter medications designed to target and ease the symptoms of a cold.:

 Antihistamines, which can help control symptoms such as a running nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

 Decongestants, which relieve nasal and sinus congestion.

 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, which reduce pain, fever and inflammation.

 Expectorants, which loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating chest congestion and discomfort.

The best way to treat a cold is to drink plenty of fluids stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medications and be on the look-out for symptoms that last longer than five to seven days. If symptoms persist, it means the virus that caused the cold may have developed into an advanced respiratory illness, such as an ear infection, sinus infection or bronchitis. If a cold results in a more serious condition, seek treatment from your doctor.

While a cold generally attacks the respiratory system, the flu often impacts the entire body. Symptoms of the flu often include a fever between 100 F and 104 F, headache, body aches, fatigue, exhaustion and nausea. If it is mild, the flu can be treated with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications that target the symptoms. If the flu is more severe, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines help treat the symptoms:

 Anti-nausea medications help with stomach discomfort and vomiting.

 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines reduce pain, fever and inflammation.

 Prescription antiviral medicines shorten the duration of the flu, but are typically effective only if they are taken within the first day or two of developing symptoms.

Dr. Yu-Fleming says if you are not sure whether it is a cold or the flu, make an appointment to see your physician as soon as possible.

"Too many times, people try to wait it out when they shouldn't," she says. "If it is the flu, it can develop into a more serious illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This is particularly true for patients, who are older or have compromised immune systems and may require

Unfortunately, there is no immunization against the cold, but washing your hands frequently, not touching your face with your hands, and avoiding contact with people who have a cold can be a strong defense.

If you find yourself sick and have no family physician, help is as close as a mouse click or phone call away. Porter's web site and Physician Referral Line can help you find a doctor, day or night. To find a physician using the internet, type in and click on "Physicians" along the top of the home page. To locate a doctor using Porter's Physician Referral Line, simply call 1.800.541.1861. Operators are available to answer your call 24 hours a day.

Both the cold and flu can make you feel miserable and cause you to miss school or work. With some extra hand-washing and a flu shot, you can improve your chances of avoiding both this season.