The warming air temperature may not indicate the start of winter, but it’s still a good time to prepare for the cold and flu season. Ivica Cvetković, MD, a family medicine doctor, and Maja Žalac, a phytoaromatherapist, suggest that while it may not be possible to completely avoid these illnesses, it is possible to contribute to a quicker recovery should you fall ill.

Dr. Cvetković explains that cold symptoms usually appear gradually, beginning with a sore throat and followed by a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and a dry and unproductive cough. He recommends rest, tea, and a light diet as well as nasal drops for a blocked nose and lozenges with vitamin C