Be aware of the symptoms of a cold: a running nose, cough, and fever are all clear signs that your body is fighting off a cold virus.

To soothe a sore throat, suck on hard candy or gargle with warm salt water (one-half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water).

To loosen phlegm, drink 8 - 10 glasses of water or other nonalcoholic liquids a day. Warm drinks may be more soothing than cold.

Try chicken soup. Researchers have finally confirmed what mothers have long observed.