How to Treat a Cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. Although it's usually not severe enough to need medical care, it can still interfere with your daily activities. Most cases of the common cold can be effectively treated at home. However, if your cold lasts longer than two weeks, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Drink plenty of fluids. Runny nose or fever can cause dehydration, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking extra fluids helps your body fight the cold and alleviates the physical fatigue caused by dehydration.

• Before going to bed, place a glass of water, fruit juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water near your bedside. If you wake up in the night, take a sip to stay hydrated. However, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you.
• Infrequent urination or dark, cloudy urine are signs that your body is dehydrated.

Get more sleep. Most adults need at least 8 hours of sleep each night. When you have a cold, your body requires even more rest.

• Take a nap. Whenever you feel tired, rest to prevent your body from becoming too fatigued.
• Getting enough rest will strengthen your immune system and help your body fight the cold more effectively.

Increase humidity to make breathing easier. Nasal congestion or coughing can make it hard to sleep at night. Using a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom can add moisture to the air. The better you sleep, the more energy your body will have to fight the virus.

• If you don’t have a humidifier or vaporizer, you can create one easily by placing a pot of warm water on the radiator and letting the steam evaporate overnight.

Avoid getting too cold. A mild fever can make the surrounding air feel cooler. If you get too cold and start shivering, your body will use energy that should be used to fight the virus. If you have to go to work or school, wear an extra layer (like a sweater). If you're resting at home, cover up with an extra blanket.

• Using a hot water bottle or sipping warm tea can help raise your body temperature.

Boost your energy with chicken broth. The nutrients and salts in chicken broth will help replenish electrolytes. Additionally, the warm liquid can relieve nasal congestion.

• If you'd like to make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding chicken, noodles, beans, carrots, and other nutrient-rich vegetables to the broth.

Steam to treat nasal congestion. Boil a pot of water and add essential oils (such as sandalwood or rosemary). Place the pot on a heat-resistant surface and inhale the steam. The fragrant steam will provide relaxation and help clear your nasal congestion.

• Cover your head and the pot with a towel to trap more steam. Steam for at least 10 minutes or until your congestion improves.
• Ensure children are supervised to avoid burns from hot water.
• Do not swallow sandalwood oil, as ingesting it can lead to poisoning.

Apply essential oil to your chest before sleeping. This method helps relieve nasal congestion while you lie down. Always follow the instructions on the product label when applying the oil.

• Avoid applying it inside your nostrils as the essential oil droplets may be inhaled into your lungs.

Relieve congestion with saline nasal drops. Saline drops are safe, even for young children. These drops will dry up your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily. This product is available over-the-counter (no prescription needed).

• Some nasal sprays or drops may contain additional ingredients besides salt and water. Be sure to read the label to check for preservatives, which could harm the cells in your nasal membranes. If using a nasal spray with preservatives, do not exceed the recommended dosage. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using the spray on young children.

Try decongestants if saline drops or sprays are ineffective. These medications come in oral or spray form and are available over-the-counter. Decongestants should only be used for a maximum of one week, as prolonged use can cause inflammation of the nasal tissues, worsening cold symptoms. Additionally, decongestants are not suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor before using them if you:

• Are pregnant or unsure if you are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Need to treat a cold in a child under 12
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have hyperthyroidism
• Have an enlarged prostate
• Have liver damage
• Have kidney or heart problems
• Have glaucoma
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors for depression
• Are taking any other medications, even over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements, and are unsure if there could be a drug interaction

Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Warm water helps relieve throat pain caused by coughing, and salt fights infection.

• Dissolve at least 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. If you don’t mind the salty taste, you can add more salt for a stronger solution.
• Tip your head back and gargle. Children should be supervised while gargling to avoid choking.
• Gargle for about 1 minute. Do not swallow the saltwater after gargling, as it contains bacteria from your throat. Spit it out into the sink after gargling.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever or ease pain. This method is also effective for treating headaches or joint pain. Common medications include Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen/Paracetamol. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those treating young children should consult a doctor before taking any medication.

• Follow your doctor's advice or the product label instructions, especially for children's doses. Check the ingredients of cold medications to avoid taking multiple products with the same components and risking an overdose.
• Do not give Aspirin to young children or teenagers, as it may lead to Reye's syndrome.

Consult your doctor before suppressing a cough. Coughing is the body's way of removing germs and irritants from the respiratory system. Suppressing a cough may be necessary if you're unable to sleep, but it could also prevent your body from expelling the virus.

• Do not give cough syrup to children under 2 years old. For children over 2, follow the instructions on the product label. Consult a doctor if the label lacks specific age guidelines.

Avoid ineffective remedies. Many substances are used to treat colds, but they may not work or lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness. If you're considering alternative treatments, it's best to consult your doctor first, as they might interact with prescribed medications. These treatments include:

• Antibiotics. Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics are ineffective.
• Chamomile. The effectiveness of chamomile has not been proven. Some studies suggest it may be useful early on in a cold, while others disagree.
• Vitamin C. Evidence about Vitamin C's benefits is mixed. Some studies suggest it may shorten the duration of a cold, while others find it ineffective.
• Zinc. Some research suggests zinc might help if taken early in a cold, but other studies find no benefit. Avoid using zinc nasal sprays as they may cause loss of smell.

Take children with severe cold symptoms to see a doctor. A doctor will check to ensure the infection isn't a more serious issue. Be alert for these warning signs:

• Fever in children under 3 years old. Children over 3 years old should see a doctor if their fever lasts more than 3 days or exceeds 39°C (102.2°F).
• Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, infrequent urination, or dark, concentrated urine.
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty waking up
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive crying, especially in babies who can't communicate their discomfort.
• Ear pain
• Persistent cough

Adults with severe cold symptoms should see a doctor. Symptoms to be mindful of in adults include:

• Fever above 39°C (102.2°F)
• Chills, sweating, and coughing up colored mucus
• Swelling in the neck area
• Severe sinus pain

Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth before washing your hands, as these areas can introduce cold viruses into your body. Regular hand washing helps reduce the number of viruses on your hands.

• Rub your hands together with soap for at least 20 seconds. If possible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or shaking hands with others.

Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Minimize handshakes, hugs, or touching anyone showing cold symptoms. If possible, disinfect items like computer keyboards, door handles, or toys that the infected person or child may have touched. You should also avoid crowded spaces to reduce the risk of contact with sick individuals. This is especially important in confined areas with poor air circulation, such as:

• Schools
• Offices
• Public transportation
• Theaters

Boost your immune system through a nutritious diet. Most colds don't affect your appetite, so if you feel one coming on, it's essential to nourish your body to fight off the virus.

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the necessary vitamins.
• Whole grain bread provides excellent energy and fiber.
• Get protein from healthy, low-fat food sources like poultry, beans, fish, and eggs.
• Avoid pre-packaged foods, even when tired. These often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, leaving you feeling full but lacking the balanced nutrients your body needs.

Learn how to manage stress. Stress disrupts hormones and bodily functions, weakening the immune system and increasing the likelihood of catching a cold. You can manage stress by:

• Exercising daily. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, improving mood and helping your body and mind relax.
• Getting 8 hours of sleep each night. In some cases, adults may need up to 10 hours. Also, maintaining a regular sleep schedule ensures restful sleep and prevents fatigue upon waking.
• Meditating
• Practicing Yoga
• Getting massages
• Building close social relationships

• Always consult a doctor before taking any medication, dietary supplements, or herbs. This is especially crucial when you are pregnant, planning to conceive, breastfeeding, or treating a cold in young children.
• Do not give Aspirin to young children or teenagers.
• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the product label.
• Over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements can interact with prescription drugs. Therefore, make sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
• Avoid taking multiple medications with the same active ingredient simultaneously. Doing so can unintentionally cause an overdose.