Unfortunately, the cold cannot be treated in an instant. Antibiotics that are effective against the bacteria don’t affect these viruses. So, we take a few pills and wait for getting better. But there are number of things that we can do for feeling better and not spreading this disease to other people.
Cold remedies that work
– Stay positive. Thinking that your body is strong can make the healing process easier.
– Resting and relaxing may be the oldest treatment of the cold.
– Keep yourself warm. This way, as long as you don’t sweat excessively, your body can focus its immune system on fighting against the infection.
– Taking short walks in fresh air is better than lying in an unventilated room.
– Do not eat the foods that are difficult to digest. Try to eat low-fat foods, meat and dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.
– Chicken soup relieves the nasal congestion by thinning out the mucus.
– Increase your fluid intake. 6-8 glasses of water, juice, tea and other beverages can replace the water loss due to the cold.
– Humidify the room with water vapor.
– Do not smoke and stay away from smoking environments.
– Take vitamin C. A high dose of vitamin C can be used for a short-term under a doctor’s supervision.
– Rinse your nose with saline water. It will help reducing the edema and the nasal congestion.
– If the symptoms are persistent, you should consult with a doctor. It may require bedrest. In addition to the cold medications, antiviral drugs can also be used for relieving the duration and the severity of the symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective against the viruses. While it is not beneficial to use antibiotics for common cold and flu, it also damages the liver and kidneys and also causes other germs to gain resistance against that antibiotic.