More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold, according to FamilyDoctor. Because there is no cure for the cold, your only recourse is to treat the symptoms while your body fights the virus. Virginia Tech recommends making an appointment with your health care provider if you do not see an improvement in your condition within 7 days.
Wash Your Hands
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medicine states that the purpose of washing your hands is to remove harmful bacteria. It adds that one of the most common reasons people catch colds is by touching surfaces contaminated with the cold virus, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. When you have a cold, washing your hands frequently not only helps prevent spreading your cold to others but helps prevent reinfecting yourself.
The proper way to wash your hands, according to UAB, is to first wet them with warm water and apply liquid or bar soap. Proceed by rubbing your hands vigorously, scrubbing in between your fingers, the back of your hands and under your fingernails. This scrubbing action in combination with the soap is what removes the germs. Do this for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, or the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. Rinse and dry your hands well, using the cloth to turn the faucet off.
Gargle
Gargle with warm salt water to help relieve the pain from a sore throat. The salt also helps heal and reduce the swelling. Virginia Tech recommends mixing 1/4 c. of plain salt in a glass of warm water, approximately 8 oz. To be effective, you should do this three times a day.
Get Your Rest
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Tech agree that getting plenty of rest is important when fighting a cold; 7 to 9 hours is the minimum, however if you need more, by all means take it.
If you find it difficult to sleep due to nasal congestion or drainage, use extra pillows and prop yourself up to a 45 degree angle.
Take a Shower
Hot, steamy showers help loosen chest congestion and suppress coughs. You can achieve the same effect by using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer or covering your head with a towel and breathing in steam from a hot bowl of water
Drink Extra Fluids
Increasing your fluid intake helps prevent dehydration, and drinking hot liquids such as tea can help relieve a sore throat while loosening chest congestion, according to Virginia Tech. It also states that eating chicken soup also helps alleviate these symptoms.
Take Over-the-Counter Medications
The CDC states that over-the-counter medications such as nasal sprays, pain relievers (i.e, ibuprofen and acetaminophen) and decongestants can help relieve your symptoms, although they won't shorten the length of your cold. The symptoms these may work for include runny nose, fevers and body aches. You should use caution when giving these medications to young children, especially for long periods of time, as there may be life-threatening side effects. Always consult with your child's doctor first.
