Real Simple Mobile
SECTIONS
x Food & Recipes Home & Organizing Beauty & Fashion Holidays & Entertaining Health Work & Life Checklists Weddings Magazine & More Subscribe to Real Simple Sign up for Free Newsletters
  • Health

Your Cold and Flu Symptoms, Explained

swipe the photo for the next slide »
  • Germ sneezing
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Replay GalleryAndrew Bannecker
PreviousNext Page 1 of 10

The Symptom: Sneezing 

What it means: Your body is expelling bacteria and other particles with a sudden, involuntary burst of air. Don’t suppress a sneeze, as your body is trying to evict the irritants.

When to worry:
Almost never, but if sneezing interferes with your life or persists after other symptoms are gone, talk to your doctor to find out if an allergy might be the cause.

Home remedies:
Using Kleenex Anti-Viral tissues helps prevent the spread of viruses. No tissue? Sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. You’ll be less likely to pass germs along.

Over-the-counter remedies:
Some antihistamines (the sedating varieties) can help cut down on the sneeze reflex. But most experts advise you to leave this fairly innocuous symptom untreated.
By Shelley Levitt
PreviousNext Page 1 of 10
Spoonful of cough syrupWhat's Next5 Professions Vulnerable to Colds and Flu

Most Popular Galleries

Kipik Toothpick Holder
  • 6 Clever Items to Simplify Your Life
  • 29 Great Gifts for Grads
  • 35 Great Gifts for Dad
  • 36 Unique Gifts for Dad
  • 50 Great Books That Will Change Your Life
Home Food & Recipes Home & Organizing Beauty & Fashion Holidays & Entertaining Health Work & Life Checklists Weddings Magazine & More Subscribe to Real Simple
Sign up for our FREE newsletters
Privacy Policy | Your California Privacy Rights

Terms of Service | View Full Site | Contact Us
© 2013 Time Inc. All rights reserved
Time Warner Company