1. Eat lightly if your appetite is diminished. This is a natural response of the body, when it attempts to conserve energy for fighting off the infection versus processing food.  When you do eat, keep it soft and simple- traditional chicken soup, vegetable broths, or steamed veggies over white rice are all great choices.

2. Get rest ASAP – Many people ignore the early warning signs of illness and keep right on working until they “drop.”  You will feel worse, and it will take longer to heal if you allow the illness to get a foothold.  If you feel a sore throat, headache, fever, or congestion coming on, take it easy.  If possible, take a day off from work, and/or arrange for help with childcare.  Taking one day now may prevent you from losing three or four days later on.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids – filtered water and non-caffeinated herbal teas are great choices. You will also benefit from the extra fluids in soups and broths.

4. Throat or Chest Compress – Warm the throat or chest with a warm washcloth or hot shower for several minutes.  Dry the skin thoroughly and apply a thin cotton wrap (to throat) or a thin cotton T-shirt (to chest) that has been soaked in cold water and wrung out firmly so that it is damp, but not dripping wet.  Cover this with a wool scarf (throat) or a wool sweater (chest).  Lay down to rest for at least 30 minutes. This treatment increases circulation and increases local white blood cell activity.

5. Saline nasal rinses are an excellent way to soothe irritated sinuses and nasal passageways. See Rockwell Nutrition's product picks in this section.