Prevention is the best defense against colds, but sometimes you can still get sick despite your best precautions. That's because the cold virus can live for up to 18 hours on unwashed surfaces while it finds a place on your body. The cold virus enters through the mouth, nose, or eyes. So, transmission generally occurs when talking, coughing, and sneezing. While a cold can't be completely cured, there are things you can do to relieve its symptoms and speed up recovery, including washing your hands frequently.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Taking Quick Action
Step 1. Gargle with salt water if your throat hurts
Gargling with salt water can reduce inflammation in the throat and remove mucus. Stir tsp. (2.5 ml) salt in a glass of warm water and use it to gargle for 30 seconds. Then, spit it out and try not to swallow it.
Repeat several times a day whenever your throat hurts
Step 2. Take a hot shower to clear a stuffy nose
A stuffy nose makes a cold feel much worse. To get rid of the stuffy nose, try taking a longer hot shower than usual until the steam appears. The steam from a hot faucet can help temporarily relieve a stuffy nose.
Step 3. Use a saline nasal spray if the nose is still blocked
This spray is made from salt water that is put into the nose to relieve congestion. Use to prevent the buildup of mucus that will clog the nose. You will also feel relieved afterwards.
Use every day until you feel better
Step 4. Turn on the humidifier to keep the room moist
Humidity in the air can loosen mucus in your nose and throat so you don't feel stuffy. Place one in a room to keep the air moist while you sleep, and place another one in another room that you use frequently.
Change the humidifier filter frequently as an unclean filter can cause breathing and lung problems. Check your humidifier's manual to find out how often the filter should be replaced
Part 2 of 3: Helping the Body Recover Faster
Step 1. Drink 8 glasses of water every day to keep your body hydrated
Dehydration can make a cold worse. So, you should drink 8 glasses of water every day. Drinking lots of water also helps loosen mucus in the nose and throat so that blockages are reduced.
Don't drink alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated soda as they can increase dehydration
Step 2. Eat 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to boost your immune system
If your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy, you'll have a harder time battling colds. Eating fruits and vegetables is also an easy way to get the nutrients your immune system needs to keep it functioning.
- Try eating a lettuce dish with several servings of fruit each day.
- Some studies show garlic and oranges can shorten the duration of colds and reduce their intensity.
Step 3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night
Your body fights infections while you sleep, so you should rest as long as possible to fight off a cold. Try to go to bed earlier than usual and take a nap if you can. The more rest you have, the better chance you have to recover.
Step 4. Take time off from work or work
You will find it difficult to sleep and drink a lot if you go to school or work all day. If you can, rest at home so you can focus on recovering so the cold doesn't get worse.
- If you decide to take sick leave, contact your supervisor by phone or email as soon as possible. Convey that you are too sick to leave and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
- If your boss seems reluctant to give you permission, ask if you can work from home for the day.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Medicines and Supplements
Step 1. Take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) if you have a sore throat, headache, or fever
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are painkillers that help relieve cold symptoms. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and do not exceed the 24-hour dose limit.
- While they don't stop a cold, acetaminophen and NSAIDs can relieve it while you focus on recovering.
- NSAIDs that you can take are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
- DayQuil and NyQuil contain acetaminophen.
Step 2. Try an antihistamine or decongestant to reduce coughing and congestion
Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can soothe the throat and nose and reduce coughing. Read the packaging for instructions for use and do not mix several drugs at once to avoid overdose.
- Never give antihistamines and decongestants to children under 5 years of age.
- Be careful before taking over-the-counter cold medications if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or kidney problems. Read the packaging first, and consult your doctor before trying a new drug.
Step 3. Try vitamin C or an echinacea supplement to shorten a cold
Although the evidence is not clear, some studies show that vitamin C and echinacea help reduce the intensity of colds. Since this supplement is harmless, you can give it a try and see if it can stop or shorten a cold.
- Powdered vitamin C supplements such as Emergen-C can also shorten the duration of a cold.
- Read the possible interactions and side effects listed on the label of the supplement you will be taking. If you have a medical problem, talk to your doctor before taking any new vitamins or using herbal treatments.
