Colds suck big time. They just come outta nowhere and mess you up for days. You feel all stuffy, sneezing like crazy, runny nose, sore throat and just plain awful. Everybody wanna get over a cold fast but sadly there’s no magic cure that make it go away in one day. Still, there’s some things you can do to help your body fight it better and feel less like crap. I’ll share some tips here that worked for me and also common mistakes people do that actually make it last longer.
What Is A Cold?
So, first thing first — a cold is caused by a virus. Usually it’s rhinovirus but can be other types too. It attacks your nose, throat and sinuses, making you feel all congested and tired. Since it’s a virus, antibiotics don’t work, so don’t waste your time asking for those unless your doctor say you got bacterial infection too (which is pretty rare).
Cold symptoms start with sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache and feeling tired or weak. Usually lasts around 7 to 10 days but can drag on if you don’t take care of yourself.
Tips To Get Over A Cold Faster
1. Rest, Rest, And Rest Some More
I know it sounds obvious but so many people don’t actually rest when sick. Your body needs energy to fight off the virus, so get as much sleep as you can. Even if you don’t feel tired, just lying down and chilling helps. Don’t try to be a hero and go to work or school, you’ll just get worse and maybe give cold to others too.
2. Drink Lots Of Fluids
Drink water like your life depends on it. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus so it’s easier to blow your nose and clear your chest. Warm drinks like tea with honey and lemon or chicken soup feel nice and help with congestion. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they dry you out and that’s not good.
3. Take Over The Counter Meds, But Don’t Go Crazy
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with fever and body aches. Decongestants might help clear a blocked nose but don’t use nasal sprays for more than 3 days cause it can make your nose worse. Cough syrups can help with cough but sometimes cough is good to clear mucus so don’t stop coughing all the time.
And hey, don’t take 5 different medicines at once without reading labels or asking pharmacist, you might overdose or get bad side effects.
4. Gargle Salt Water For Sore Throat
If your throat hurts, mix half teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds. Do this few times a day. It really soothes sore throats and is an old home trick.
5. Use Humidifier Or Take Steam
Dry air can make cold symptoms worse. If you have humidifier use it, if not take hot showers and breathe in steam for some relief. Just don’t make water too hot or you might burn yourself.
6. Eat Healthy Food Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
When sick you might not wanna eat but your body needs nutrients to fight virus. Try fruits and veggies with vitamin C like oranges, strawberries or broccoli. Garlic and ginger might help too. Avoid junk food cause it won’t help you heal.
7. Avoid Smoking And Alcohol
Smoking irritates lungs and throat and makes it harder to get better. Alcohol dries you out and weakens immune system. Best stay away till you’re better.
8. Don’t Touch Your Face Too Much
Hands pick up germs from everywhere. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands you might spread virus more or reinfect yourself. Wash hands often and use tissue when you cough or sneeze.
9. Vitamins And Supplements?
Some people take vitamin C, zinc, or echinacea to try shorten colds but results are mixed. Might help a bit if started early but don’t expect miracles. Don’t take too much zinc or it can make you sick.
Mistakes That Make Cold Last Longer
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Not resting enough
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Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
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Using nasal sprays too long
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Ignoring symptoms and not seeing doctor if gets worse
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Not washing hands or touching face too much
When To See Doctor
Most colds go away on their own but see doctor if you have:
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Fever above 101.5°F for more than 3 days
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Bad headache or pain in face
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Trouble breathing or chest pain
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Coughing up green or bloody mucus
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Symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse after first few days
Summary
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Rest lots
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Drink lots of water and warm fluids
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Use meds carefully, don’t overuse nasal sprays
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Gargle salt water for sore throat
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Use humidifier or steam
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Eat healthy foods even if no appetite
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Avoid smoking and alcohol
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Wash hands often and avoid touching face
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Take vitamins if you want but don’t expect miracle
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See doctor if symptoms severe or long lasting
So yeah, there’s no quick fix for colds but following these tips can help you feel better faster and make it less miserable. Hope you get well soon and don’t forget to wash your hands!