Gargle with salt water. A seawater gargle with about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water can help reduce the pain and swell of a huffy throat .
Over-the-counter medications : over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and annoyance relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce some cold symptoms. Children younger than 6 should not use over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor for more details.
Humidify the air. Cold breeze holds less moisture than warm air. Dry nostrils are more prone to viruses, and if you ’ re already disgusted, dry tune can worsen a sore throat. Try using a humidifier. If you don ’ t have one, leave a shallow bowl of water out, particularly near a heating system source. As the water evaporates, it ’ ll slowly humidify the room .
Rest : This is the time to recharge your body ’ randomness immune system. Rest and rest are the best ways to do that. Make certain you ’ re sleeping between eight to 10 hours at nox. This is besides a capital probability to take a demote from strenuous exercise for two to three days.
What to Avoid
Zinc. There ’ s small evidence to support zinc ’ s cold-fighting repute .
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viruses.
Vitamin C. At the first gestural of cold symptoms, many people turn to vitamin C. however, there ’ s little evidence that it has an effect on the coldness virus. While some studies suggest regular intake of vitamin C can help reduce the duration of coldness symptoms, it has no consequence if taken after you have cold symptoms .
Smoking. smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can further irritate your nose, throat and lungs .
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
- Your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, as you could have another type of infection.
- You have a sore throat or fever higher than 100 degrees for longer than three days.
- You’re experiencing intense chest pain and shortness of breath.
Learn more about the common cold .
