Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

It is common to get flu viruses from time to time. A cold usually comes on and goes away on its own in three or four days, but some symptoms may persist a little longer. Cold or flu symptoms can include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, sneezing and low-grade fever. The flu is uncomfortable and you may want to feel better right away.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Allowing Symptoms

1. 

   Drink tea. Hot tea can soothe your throat, help mucus loosen, and the steam can reduce inflammation. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea that treats colds and flu and is available in a variety of beneficial effects. Green and black teas contain phytochemicals that may help fight the flu; Green tea also helps to hydrate the body.
   • Add honey to tea. Honey coats the throat and helps prevent coughing attacks.
   • If you have trouble sleeping from a cough, you can add a teaspoon of honey and about 25 ml of whiskey or bourbon to the tea to help you sleep. Only drink either of these as too much alcohol can make colds worse.

2. 

   
   
   Take a hot shower or soak in a tub. This will help you relax. The steam helps loosen mucus, soothe inflammation in your sinuses and reduce congestion. You should close the bathroom door to allow the steam to build up and breathe for about 10-15 minutes.
   • You can also add essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint to your bath to increase the steam's anti-congestion effect.

3. 

   
   
   Direct steam bath. You don't need a shower to take full advantage of the steam's effects. Bring a pot of water to a boil, reduce heat, and heat in a safe distance. Breathe slowly through your nose and mouth, being careful not to burn from the pot or too close to the hot steam.
   • You can also add a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the pot to increase the benefits of steam therapy.
   • If you can't boil the water, soak a towel in warm water and cover your face until it cool.

4. 

   
   
   Use nasal sprays or drops. Nasal sprays or drops can be purchased at drugstores and are often very effective at reducing dry and stuffy nose. Plus, these drugs are safe and don't irritate nasal tissues - they can even be used in children. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
   • Try blowing your nose a few minutes after using the nasal spray or drops. After you take the medicine, you will find that the mucus is easier to leak and your nose will be clear for a while.
   • For babies, you can put a few drops of salt water in one nostril. Use a nasal aspirator to suck the mucus out by placing it into the child's nostril, about 0.5 to 1.2 cm deep.
   • You can make your own salt solution by mixing 8 ounces of warm water with a pinch of baking soda and baking soda. To be safe, boil the water and let it cool before you put it in your nose. Pump this solution into one nostril while blocking the other. You can repeat 2-3 times before working with the other nostril.

5. 

   Try a nasal wash. Nasal cleaners are used to wash away mucus and help clear your nose. Nasal wash sets are available at pharmacies or grocery stores. Nasal cleaners really help you breathe easier when you have a cold.
   • Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with a cup of warm water. Boil water first and let it cool to kill bacteria and germs if any. Fill the flask with water and salt solution.
   • You need to stand in front of a sink or drain. Tilt your head to the side and place the nozzle in the upper nostril. Pour the saline into the nostril until it comes out the other nostril. Repeat with the other nostril.

6. 

   Apply vaporub oil. Topical oils are of great use in children because the oil vapor soothes, relieves coughs and clears the nose. Apply the oil to your chest and back. You can also apply menthol oil or cream under your nose if your skin is irritated from blowing your nose several times.
   • Do not apply creams or lotions directly under the nose of children, as this can cause irritation or difficulty breathing due to the vapor evaporation.

7. 

   Apply hot or cold to your sinuses. Use a hot or cold compress on the stuffy area. You can make a hot compress yourself by soaking a towel and microwave it for 55 seconds. With a cold compress, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables and wrap a towel over it.

8. 

   Take vitamin C. Vitamin C can shorten the duration of colds and flu. You can take up to 2,000 mg per day. Always consult your doctor before taking a new vitamin or supplement.
   • If you take too much vitamin C, you may experience diarrhea. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

9. 

   Try purple Echinacea. You can take either a tea or a purple Echinacea capsule, both available at grocery stores. As well as vitamin C, this herb can relieve flu symptoms. Unless you have immune system problems or are on medication, give this herb a try.Or you can consult your doctor before use.

10. 

    Take zinc. Zinc is particularly effective if taken immediately after cold symptoms. Zinc has been shown to help the body fight the flu. If you feel nauseous while taking zinc, take it with a meal.
    • Do not take zinc gel or other types of zinc used in the nose. It can damage and lose your sense of smell.
    • Taking high doses of zinc can cause nausea and vomiting.

11. 

    Use lozenges. Ancient pine lozenges and cough suppressants come in a variety of flavors - from honey, cherry to menthol. Some contain anesthetics like menthol that can help you feel better with a sore throat. The lozenge dissolves gradually in the mouth, soothing the throat and relieving coughing.

12. 

    Use a humidifier. A cool steam humidifier adds moisture to the air, just like steam, and the moisture loosens phlegm. A humidifier helps relieve coughs and congestion, making it easier to fall asleep. Use the humidifier according to the instructions and properly clean it to fight bacteria and mold.

13. 

    Washing mouth. Gargling with warm salt water can reduce inflammation and soothe a burning throat. Salt water also loosens mucus and makes you feel better. If you make your own brine, make sure to let it cool down before using it.
    • Salt water can be made by dissolving one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
    • If you have a sore throat, you can try rinsing your mouth with tea.
    • You can also try a thicker mouthwash by mixing 50 ml of honey and 100 ml of water soaked in sage leaves and cayenne and boiling for 10 minutes.

14. 

    Eat soup. Warm gravy can help relieve flu symptoms. The steam can clear your sinuses and soothe your throat. In addition, the soup also helps to keep the body hydrated. Interestingly, chicken soup can actually help reduce inflammation in some cases, and help fight off the flu. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Taking Medications

1. 

   Do not take antibiotics unless clearly needed. If you have a cold, you don't need antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not for bacterial infections like the flu. Furthermore, antibiotics can have side effects, and taking antibiotics when not needed can contribute to the creation of resistant bacteria.

2. 

   Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen can help relieve sore throat, headache, body aches, and fever. These are found in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can be found in pharmacies and grocery stores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the pack when taking the pain reliever.
   • Some NSAIDs have some side effects and cause stomach problems or liver damage. Never take an NSAID for a long time or take higher than recommended doses. If you have taken NSAIDs more than 4 times a day or have taken them more than 2 to 3 days, you need to contact your doctor.
   • NSAIDs are not intended for use in infants under 3 months of age. Always check the dosage of pain relievers when given to older infants and children. Some medicinal formulations are very concentrated.
   • Aspirin should not be given to children under 12 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

3. 

   Take cough medicine. Coughing helps remove mucus from the lungs and throat. However, if your cough is painful or you can't sleep, you might consider using a temporary cough medicine. Always read the label and take it as directed before taking cough medicine when you have a cold.
   • Do not give cough medicine to children under 6 years old.

4. 

   Use decongestants. A stuffy nose is uncomfortable, and can even cause ear pain. Nasal sprays and sprays can help reduce pressure and swelling in your sinuses. These drugs are available without a prescription at pharmacies or grocery stores.
   • Decongestants should be used sparingly for up to three days. Otherwise, symptoms may get worse.

5. 

   Use a throat spray. A throat spray is probably also available at pharmacies, which can help numb the throat if it hurts. This medicine has a temporary effect and eases symptoms. However, it does taste strong, and some people also dislike the numbness caused by this spray. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Preventing Complications

1. 

   Blowing your nose properly. To blow your nose, cover one nostril and blow the other nostril into a tissue. Gentle poker. When you have a cold, you need to blow your nose as often as possible to clear mucus from your body.
   • Do not blow your nose too hard because the mucus can be pushed into the ear canal or deep into your sinuses.

2. 

   Rest comfortably. You should not go to work or school when you have a cold to avoid spreading it. You can also take the opportunity to stay in bed and focus on getting better. Put on your pajamas and relax. Your body needs rest to recover, and you need to release stress to give it enough healing energy.

3. 

   Go to bed. If you sleep less than five or six hours a day, you are four times more likely to get the flu. Your body really needs time to rest and recover from sleep, especially as it is battling the flu. So, prepare a soft pillow, a warm blanket, close your eyes and let yourself into your dreams.
   • Put layers of blankets to sleep if your body temperature fluctuates so you can remove or add blankets when it's hot or cold.
   • You may need extra pillows to prop your head up to help ease your cough and prevent a runny nose later.
   • Place a tissue box and a trash bin or a garbage bag next to your bed. This way you can blow your nose and dispose of the tissue as needed.

4. 

   Avoid unnecessary stimulation. Computers and gaming games can be very stimulating thanks to the lights, sounds, and lots of information you need to process. These devices keep you awake and make it difficult to fall asleep. Using electronic devices and even reading can contribute to eye strain or headaches - something you don't want when you're already tired of being sick.

5. 

   Drink plenty of fluids. Your body produces a lot of mucus when you have a cold. Mucus requires a lot of fluids. Extra fluids in your body thin the mucus so you can expel it more easily.
   • Limit your caffeine intake when you have a cold as caffeine can actually dry out.

6. 

   Avoid citrus fruits. The acids in juices like orange juice can make you cough more. It can irritate an already sensitive throat. Find other ways to stay hydrated and take more vitamin C.

7. 

   Adjust the room temperature. You need a room that is warm but not hot. When you are hot or cold, your body expends energy trying to warm it up or cool it down. So when you have a cold, don't let it get too cold or too hot. Your body needs to focus on fighting the virus, not on regulating your temperature.

8. 

   Soothes chapped skin. The skin on your nose can become irritated when you have a cold. That's because you blow your nose a lot. A little bit of petroleum jelly applied under your nose or a tissue with moisturizer may help.

9. 

   Avoid flying. When you have a cold, it's best not to fly. Changing the pressure can damage your eardrums when you have a stuffy nose. Use decongestants and saline sprays if you need to fly. Chewing gum can also help when sitting on an airplane.

10. 

    Avoid stress. Stress increases your risk of catching the flu and makes it last longer. Stress hormones weaken the immune system and cannot reverse the disease. Stay away from stressful situations, practice meditation and take deep breaths.

11. 

    Don't drink alcohol. While a little alcohol can help you fall asleep, too much will dehydrate you. It can also worsen symptoms and cause a stuffy nose. Alcohol is not good for the immune system and can interact with over-the-counter drugs.

12. 

    No smoking. Tobacco smoke is not good for the respiratory system. This will make nasal congestion and cough worse and last longer. Smoking also damages the lungs, and is therefore more difficult to heal.

13. 

    Eat nutritious foods. Even though you are sick, you still need energy and nutrients to keep your body healthy. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet packed with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Eat foods rich in vitamin C that can open up your sinuses and dissolve mucus like chili, mustard, and horseradish.

14. 

    Do exercise. You probably already know that exercise keeps your body healthy, but it also helps you heal more quickly. If you have a cold, exercise is probably fine. However, when you have a high fever, feel very painful or weak, you should rest.
    • Reduce intensity or stop an exercise program if it worsens the flu.

15. 

    Prevent re-infection and virus spread. Stay home fighting the flu and avoid being around others. Be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and try to cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow in place of your hands. You also need to wash your hands several times or use hand sanitizer.

16. 

    Let the cold happen naturally. Symptoms of the disease are the body's way of eliminating the virus. Fevers, for example, help kill viruses and allow the anti-viral proteins in the blood to circulate better. Therefore, not taking medications or other methods to reduce moderate fevers for a few days may help you get better faster. advertisement

Advice

• Sometimes you have a fever when you have a cold. Try a cold or warm washcloth on your forehead for fever. If the fever persists, take aspirin or ibuprofen to cool down and relieve pain.

Warning

• If you have a persistent high fever (over 38.3 degrees C), cough lasting more than 3 weeks, have a chronic illness or don't seem to get better, see your doctor.
• Continue as directed by your doctor if symptoms persist after 7 to 10 days.
• Know that some colds and flu treatments can cause side effects or an allergic reaction. Those therapies can also interact with other medications, so always check with your doctor before taking any supplements, herbs, or medications.
• If you have trouble breathing, you need emergency care.