Sneezing is a sure sign of a cold, along with nasal congestion and a dry, hacking cough. But fevers will probably be low grade. Other symptoms, such as a headache or fatigue, will be annoying, yet mild.

With the flu, symptoms tend to come on quickly and are almost always accompanied by a fever lasting three or four days. Body aches and chills are common, as is a dry cough. Another flu clue: time of year. The flu hits during the winter months, roughly November through April.

Colds are by far the most common illness in the world. In the United States, 90% of the population will have at least one cold per year. The flu is similar, and somtimes has the same symptoms as a cold, but is often much more severe and lasts longer. Cold and flu viruses attack the nose, nasal sinuses, throat and the upper breathing tubes (trachea and bronchi). As they invade the moist skin lining of these structures, they cause runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, sore throat and cough. Fever might also occur, usually with the flu. For most healthy people the difference between colds and flu aren't important. For the elderly, very young children, or otherwise susceptible people, the flu can be very serious.

Herbalist and Physician says you can begin a cold and flu prevention program as early as August, "because prevention is not achieved overnight." That way, you can take several courses of herbs with breaks in between throughout the cold and flu season. But no matter what the calendar says, it's not too late. As Herbalist put it, prevention is better late than never.