A cold is a respiratory tract infection that affects your throat and nose, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Symptoms may include a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, congestion, body aches and pains, and tiredness. Children tend to get colds more often than adults. Once you feel the beginnings of a cold, start treating it right away with one or more home remedies. If the symptoms worsen or last longer than a couple of weeks, call your doctor.
Prevention
During cold season, take extra precautions to prevent becoming infected. Increase the amount of water you drink, eat a healthy diet to build up your immune system and avoid too many unhealthy treats packed with carbohydrates, advises the All Women's Talk website. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face. Try to avoid excessive hand-shaking, but if it's unavoidable, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer as soon as possible. Don't forget that cold germs can be anywhere, including telephones, computer keyboards, ATM touch pads, doorknobs and file cabinets.
Foods
The Mayo Clinic website advises consuming plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine or alcohol. Chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory that assists the immune system during a cold. It also helps move the mucus, keeping the nasal passages clear and relieving congestion.
The Organic Nutrition website recommends eating smaller meals so the body can spend most of its energy fighting the infection rather than having to digest more food than it needs. A Fox News article on men's health recommends eating cayenne peppers for the capsaicin, which works as an expectorant and decongestant. Ginger tea is used in China by herbalists who claim that its antiviral compounds can help with cold relief. Garlic has a bacteria-destroying chemical compound, so add an extra clove of garlic to your food. Even if eating these foods doesn't help get rid of your cold, they are harmless and otherwise healthy.
Rest
Get as much rest as possible so your body can spend the energy fighting the cold infection. The Mayo Clinic website advises staying home from work if possible so you can rest and avoid infecting others at the office. If you must go to work, wear a face mask.
Comfort
Make your environment as comfortable as possible. Stay warm but not hot. You may need to use a humidifier if the air in your home is too dry. Have a blanket nearby in case you become chilled.
Soothe Your Nose and Throat
When you have a cold, your nose is likely to become congested, and your throat may be sore. The Mayo Clinic website advises using over-the-counter saline sprays or drops to loosen nasal congestion. If you have a sore throat, gargle three or four times a day with warm saltwater. Drinking a cup of warm water with lemon and honey may make you feel better and ease your coughing.
