The treatment and management of colds and influenza mainly
involves relieving your symptoms, though they ordinarily resolve
on their own. If you have a chronic health condition, a cold or
influenza can worsen whatever condition you have, particularly
diabetes and chronic heart and lung diseases. Occasionally viral
upper respiratory infections develop into complications like ear
or sinus infections or pneumonia. The goals of treatment are
threefold: - Make yourself comfortable while the illness runs
its course. - Manage other conditions so they do not worsen
during upper respiratory infection. - Prevent complications from
developing. Treatment involves the following:Lifestyle
changesMedicationsAlternative and complementary therapies There
are no surgical procedures for the treatment of colds and
influenza. - Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD - Review Date: 10/2012
- - Update Date: 10/11/2012 -