Common Cold Remedies
Because there are so many viruses that cause colds, there isn't a vaccination, or shot, to prevent anyone from getting colds. Currently, there is no medication available to cure or shorten the duration of the common cold. Medicine can't cure the common cold, but it can be used to relieve some of the symptoms.Because viruses cause colds, treatment with antibiotics is ineffective. Antibiotics are only effective when given to treat bacterial infections.
Researchers aren't sure whether taking extra zinc or vitamin C can limit how long cold symptoms last and how severe they become, but large doses taken every day can cause negative side effects.
However, the following are some common cold remedies that may help to relieve some symptoms of the cold.
- Rest and stay warm; increase your hours of sleep.
- Increased fluid intake
- Gargle with warm salt water to ease the discomfort of a sore throat.
- Inhale steam from a hot bath or shower to relieve congestion in your nose, head, and chest.
- Pain relievers for headache or fever
- Warm, salt water gargling for sore throat
- Petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips
- Warm steam for congestion
- Avoid close contact with others and if possible, curtail normal activities, including physical exercise, until your symptoms disappear.
- Avoid smoking during your cold, as it will cause further irritation to your upper respiratory tract.
- Stick close to home until your fever is normal and you feel well enough to go out.
Since colds and flu are spread through the air, keep your distance from people who have the illnesses. In addition, it has recently been shown that frequent hand-washing may also reduce transmission of cold and flu viruses. Overheating your house or apartment dries the air and mucous membranes of the nose. Finally, don't smoke. Smoking lowers your resistance to all respiratory infections.
Here are some of the points to consider for preventing catching or spreading a cold:
- Try to steer clear of anyone who smokes or who has a cold.
- Wash their hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after blowing their noses.
- Cover their noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not use the same towels or eating utensils as someone who has a cold.
- Do not drink from the same glass, can, or bottle as anyone else - you never know who might be about to come down with a cold and is already spreading the virus.
- Do not pick up other people's used tissues.