10 Ways To Combat A Cold Before It Takes Hold
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They say prevention is better than cure, and that's absolutely accurate when it comes to the common cold. Despite all of humanities medical knowledge, the common cold as yet has no cure, and so the best we can really do is try to prevent it, or make ourselves more comfortable while our bodies fight it off.
Here are ten tips to help you combat a cold and feel better faster.
As soon as you start to feel cold symptoms coming on, start adding fluids to your body
You need to stay hydrated at all times, more so when you feel a cold coming on. By drinking juice, water and even tea, you can help keep the sore throat and stuffy nose from coming on strong.
If your throat is scratchy, start gargling with warm salt water
It may taste gross if you accidentally swallow some, but gargling with salt water will help reduce the inflammation in your throat as well as clear anything that is irritating it, such as excess mucus, from the back of it. It also draws any excess water from your throat tissue which helps relieve the scratchiness. If there are any bacteria or virus lingering in the back of your throat, the gargle will help flush them out and prevent the cold.
Keep your nose as clean as possible
If you notice that your nose is a little stuffy or runny, use a saline nasal spray in it to help clean it out. Doing this will reduce the impact of the cold. Also, take a hot shower to help clear the nasal passages.
Within the first two hours of feeling the cold coming on, go to the drugstore for medicine
Consider purchasing a general pain reliever to help fight the achy feeling that comes with the cold and flu. Over-the-counter allergy medicines will help with the runny nose and watery eyes. If you get one that has a decongestant, it will help clear out your sinuses and make you feel less groggy and more alert. These preventative skips will help kick the cold from your system faster.
Don’t buy over-the-counter cough medicine
Save money and purchase a bottle of honey. It works just as well, if not better, than the over-the-counter stuff. Mix about one to two tablespoons of honey into a cup of tea or eat it straight. This is all you need to soothe a cough.
Take a day off of work if you can
As soon as you feel the cold starting to come on, stay home and rest. This will help your body fight off the cold, especially within the first six hours. If you have to go to work, bring plenty of alcohol-based hand gel with you to disinfect your work area and yourself, stay away from co-workers and wash your hands.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated
There is a reason why chicken soup helps a cold: it helps keep you hydrated. Drink you water, juice and tea in large quantities. It will help you feel better.
Eat a dinner that is packed with protein
Lean meat or fish coupled with veggies filled with antioxidants and a whole-grain side does more to boost your immune system than anything else. Make sure you eat a dinner like this before calling it a day. If you are still feeling stuffed up, take a hot shower before turning in early and getting a good night’s rest.
Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen
Vomiting, bad headaches, or fever are good signs that you have something more than just the common cold. Call your doctor and make an appointment. You may need something more than over-the-counter medicine to beat it.
