The Mayo Clinic reports that adults get a cold two to four times a year, while children can have the illness from six to 10 times a year. When you have a cold, there is no antibiotic that can make you feel better. While you are recovering, you can treat your symptoms. FamilyDoctor.org reports that 10 to 20 percent of Americans have the flu annually. If you have the flu, sometimes a doctor will order an antiviral medication to shorten the duration of the illness.
Drink Lots of Fluids
Drinking fluids is important when you are sick according to FamilyDoctor.org. Make it a goal to drink eight glasses of water a day. Fluids thin the mucus and also prevent you from getting dehydrated. The beverages you choose should not have caffeine. Good choices include water, orange juice or herbal, decaffeinated tea, which can be soothing on your throat.
Get Rest
It is important that you rest when you have the cold or flu. Taking a nap or staying home from work or school might be necessary to get the rest you need, and to stop you from spreading the virus. When deciding whether or not you should go to work or school, remember that these infections travel from person to person through respiratory droplets. Maintaining good cough etiquette by covering your cough and washing your hands is important in preventing the spread of infection.
No Smoking
If you smoke, stop while you are sick. According to the American Lung Association, when you smoke and have the flu or a cold, it can cause throat irritation and exacerbate your cough.
Salt Water Gargles
A sore throat can be one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of cold or flu. The Mayo Clinic recommends salt water gargles to soothe your throat. Try gargling a couple of times a day using lukewarm water.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Depending on the severity of your illness, taking over-the-counter medications might relieve some symptoms. Discuss the benefits of these medications with your doctor, especially when you have a chronic illness or are taking other medications. If you have a child who is sick, be sure to ask the pediatrician about which medications are safe for your child. For young children, honey or other natural remedies might be all they can safely take for a cough. According to FamilyDoctor.org, for adults and older children, there are analgesics for fever and aches, antitussives for coughs, expectorants to help thin mucus and decongestants to help relieve congestion.
Know When to Call Your Doctor
If your symptoms are severe or do not go away after a few days, call your doctor. If you have a cold or flu that develops into another bacterial infection, an antibiotic might be needed. According to FamilyDoctor.org, if you have a high fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, pain in the chest, sinus pain or shortness of breath, you need to be seen by a doctor. If you have a chronic illness, are pregnant, are immunosuppressed or are on medications and you get the cold or flu, it is important you are monitored by your doctor for complications.
