According to MedlinePlus, more than a billion colds occur in the United States annually. One of the most common illnesses, symptoms include runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Still, more than 200 different viruses may cause a cold, and symptoms vary greatly, reports MayoClinic.com. Colds last between two and 14 days, according to MedlinePlus. Currently, no cure exists for the common cold; however, cold sufferers can get relief from symptoms.
Step 1
Rest and hydrate your body to optimize healing. Get a minimum of six hours of sleep a night. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and juice, to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking liquids that encourage additional dehydration such as coffee, soda or alcohol.
Step 2
Relieve a sore throat by gargling with a warm salt-water rinse, suggests MedlinePlus. Mix together 1 tsp. of table salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water. Swish the solution in the back of the throat and gargle; spit out and repeat as needed. Salt-water rinses are not recommended for children, who may accidentally swallow the salt water.
Step 3
Take over-the-counter decongestants and cough suppressants to relieve these symptoms. Understand that these medications do not prevent or decrease the duration of the common cold, advises the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The group points out that possible side effects of these medications include dizziness, insomnia and upset stomach. Do not take antibiotics to treat the common cold, which is a virus. Antibiotics only attack bacterial infections such as sinusitis and ear infections.
Step 4
Consider taking small doses of over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to treat pain associated with a sore throat, fever or headache. Read all dosage requirements carefully when giving pain relief medications to children, advises MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Use echinacea to treat and prevent your cold naturally. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the herb decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58 percent. The duration of the common cold also decreased by one to four days. Prepare the herb by adding 1 to 2 g of dried herb to warm water to create a tea. Drink the tea three times a day for 7 to 10 days, suggests the medical center.
Things You'll Need
- Fluids
- 1 tsp. salt water
- 8 oz. warm water
- Over-the-counter decongestants and cough suppressants
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Dried echinacea
