How Can Cold Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. My answer is as follows: This year s flu has been characterized by prolonged cough, general fatigue, shortness of breath, not feeling well, not very high fever, loss of appetite, etc. Therefore, I think that you are just experiencing this type of health condition. What you say about the Flu shot is only partly true. Although getting the Flu shot when the flu has already settled makes little sense, as you rightly state, it is beneficial when taken before the disease has occurred because in many cases it can prevent the infection and in other cases it will ease the disease and shorten it. If you had taken the Flu shot then I am very confident that you and your husband would not have seen yourself in such a situation! The World Health Organization recommends everybody to get the Flu shot at the start of Flu season, especially for children and those beyond a certain age, as with your case. I totally agree that at 60s, the body reacts more slowly to health threats and, in this context, you should take the Flu shot next time. What can you do in order to overcome your situation? My suggestion is: monitor closely your situation. If with all the treatments and natural remedies you are taking, the cold is not deteriorating but it is under control and slowly improving, then you have to continue these measures until you feel better. Remember that the condition will continue for longer than usual, due to the characteristics of this year s Flu. In the frame of such measures, you should take high doses of Vitamin C, even up to 1 gram per day, as it will help strengthening your immune system. On the other hand, do not forget to eat well, using high protein and high caloric foods, as the body needs to get energy to fight the disease. Soups, meat broth, and other liquid food are good for you. Also continue all the other measures that you mentioned (tea, rest, liquids, etc.). If despite such measures you will not see an improvement in your health condition, but conversely you notice deterioration, worsening of cough, high fever and impairment of respiratory symptoms, then maybe it is time to add an antibiotic to your treatment scheme. For this, you will have to contact with your doctor and he will decide what is best for you. I hope I have answered your question and wish and your husband a fast recovery! Let me know if I can assist you further.