Stomach flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Stomach flu typically leads to significant loss of fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking plenty of fluids is important in order to avoid dehydration.

Chest congestion is often a symptom of an upper respiratory infection. Air flows to your lungs through bronchial tubes, which contain membranes that produce mucus to protect against irritation. If your bronchial tubes become inflamed, the membranes produce excess mucus, which causes chest congestion.

A cool mist humidifier is used to treat nasal and chest congestion from the common cold, allergies or a sinus infection, according to MayoClinic.com.

Discover the top reasons why people visit emergency departments, including children's fever, earaches, injuries, and other common emergencies. Learn about the statistics behind emergency room visits and how to manage symptoms effectively.

Humidifiers are used to help ease nasal and chest congestion due to allergies or the common cold, but if not maintained properly, they can lead to health complications, according to MayoClinic.com. Humidifiers create extra moisture in the air and can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Mucus is a slippery substance secreted by -- and covering -- the mucus membranes that line your respiratory tract. Glands in your nose, sinuses and throat generate mucus, which is helpful in cleansing and moisturizing your nasal passages. According to MayoClinic.

Tamiflu, also known by its generic name, oseltamivir, is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of influenza. It works by slowing down the rate at which viruses infect cells. However, in common with other antivirals, Tamiflu does not eliminate the flu virus from the body, rather it slows its progress.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination as the first step to reduce your risk of infection with seasonal and pandemic flu. While there are many pros to getting vaccinated, there are also some cons you may wish to consider.

When you get the flu it just plain hurts. There are no medical cures for the flu, only palliative treatments for pain and other symptoms. But your kitchen is a haven for healthy foods that can provide relief of symptoms making your down time a little easier.

When a person is under a lot of stress, she can experience symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety can make a person feel tense, restless and irritable. She can also have problems concentrating, feel that her mind has gone blank and be constantly worried.

In the early stages, meningitis appears to have similar symptoms to that of the flu, according to KidsHealth. Meningitis is an infection in the brain and spinal chord caused by a bacteria or virus.

Vicks VapoRub is one of the oldest and best selling cold remedies on the market. Consumer marketing company Nielsen reports that the ointment is the number one cold treatment for children by overall sales in 2009.