1. Drink Up
There is no proven cure for the cold because it's a virus and needs to run its normal course. But there are ways to help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with having a cold like a stuffy head, cough, sneezing, congestion and body aches. Doctors say that people who have a cold keep should stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids like water and orange juice, the latter of which contains helpful nutrients like vitamin C.
Also, drink warm fluids to help open airways and relieve coughing. This could be why chicken noodle soup is thought be a remedy for the common cold. Drinking hot fluids also helps soothe itchy, sore throats and induces mucus and saliva production. Tea with lemon and even spicy soups can also be helpful in relieving cold symptoms.
2. Head to the Pharmacy
Taking over-the-counter cold medications may also help you get through a cold. Decongestants are especially useful for relieving clogged noses and sinus headaches. Meanwhile, antihistamines can be helpful with runny noses, watery eyes and a tickly or scratchy throat. Some cough suppressants are useful, especially at bedtime. Many over-the-counter cold medications contain a combination of drugs that work together to relieve a number of symptoms at once. If you aren't sure what will work best for your symptoms, ask a pharmacist--especially if you take prescription drugs, which may have adverse reactions.
3. Let it Play Out
As aforementioned, colds are something that you can not get rid of with the sweep of a wand or swallow of a pill. Instead, you have to let the virus play out and do your best to alleviate the symptoms. In this busy, hectic world, people often push themselves to go to work or school when they are sick. This is to worst thing you can do. You should, instead, get a lot of rest and stay indoors as much as possible. The rest will help your body rejuvenate itself and possibly help you get over the cold quicker.
