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How to Get Rid of Colds

March 25th, 2007 by admin
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The Common Cold

common cold

The term 'common cold' is deceptive because it doesn't refer to a single virus or infection. It's a name used to identify one of over 200 different viruses that can infect your upper respiratory system and produce a particular set of symptoms. The reason it's been such an enigma to doctors and scientists seeking a cure is because of the number and diversity of viruses involved. There just isn't a single cure that will kill every strain of virus which can cause the common cold.

The typical cold lasts for three to five days while the immune system zeros in on the target virus and sends a specialized immune response to halt its reproduction. Viruses which cause colds are spread from person to person through physical contact with infected fluids (typically phlegm and saliva). These fluids can be deposited on surfaces or dispersed into the air by coughing and sneezing. The best way to avoid contracting or spreading a cold virus is to limit contact with infected people and maintain a healthy lifestyle that promotes a strong immune system.

Cold Symptoms

Commonly reported cold symptoms include:

  • sore throat
  • persistant cough
  • sneezing
  • congestion
  • runny nose
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • a mild fever (<103F). A fever higher than 103F is more likely influenza and is usually accompanied with chills and muscle aches.

You should see your doctor for a diagnosis if your symptoms are severe or if the they last longer than 5 days with no sign of improvement. In some instances even a mild cold can grow into a more serious condition like pneumonia. Better safe than sorry!

Getting rid of a Cold: Treatments

As was mentioned above, there is no panacea for colds due to the huge numbers and diversity in the viruses which cause it. Antibiotics are useless because they target bacteria, not viruses. If you're otherwise in good health it's easier to just take it easy and battle the symptoms while you give your body enough time to eliminate the virus. Following are many common treatments for colds and their symptoms, if you have a remedy to add here please do so using the form at the bottom of this page.

*Always consult your physician before using or mixing any of the below remedies.

Over-The-Counter Cold Remedies

Petroleum Jelly

Applying petroleum jelly underneath the nose or on the chest so it's vapors are inhaled can help soothe the irritation of a dry and raw nose and throat.

Analgesics

Analgesics are found in most over the counter cold and flu medications and many pain relievers such as NyQuil and Tylenol. These help relieve headaches and fever.

Cough Medicines

Cough medicines do pretty much what the name implies – they help relieve coughing. Most do this using an antitussive and expectorant. Antitussives suppress the body's cough reflex and expectorants thin out your mucus, allowing it to be more easily expelled through coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Natural Cold Cures and Home Remedies

Common Sense Treatments

  • Drink lots of fluids (very important).
  • Get plenty of rest (preferably in bed).
  • Eat a nutritious diet.

Salt Water

Gargling with salt water or using it to flush the nose can help reduce swelling and irritation.

Spicy Food

If your throat isn't irritated and you can handle it, eating something spicy can temporarily clear up a stuffy head.

Chicken Soup

A Steam InhalationThough there hasn't yet been any research that supports this, chicken soup remains a popular folk remedy for helping cure colds.

Steam Inhalation

This is effective for colds caused by members of the rhinovirus family due to their inability to survive at elevated temperatures. It can be achieved by sitting in a hot sauna or breathing the steam produced by hot water. Be careful not to burn yourself, and if you choose to sit in a sauna, make sure you stay hydrated.

Herbal Cures, Vitamins, and Mineral Supplementation

Among the many supplements that have been touted to help cure colds, the most popular are:




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  1. SickGirl101 Says:
    June 22nd, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    I have an annoying cold. It will not go away. I’ve taken medicine, breathed in hot steam, put vaseline under my nose, had Vitamin c supplements, rested, taken a hot shower, drank fruit juice, had chicken noodle soup and much much more. How can I get it to go away??? helpp me

  2. Alanna Says:
    June 5th, 2009 at 7:15 am

    I feel like Crap. Last night I had to sleep sitting up because of indigestion, and every time I relaxed and got to sleep, I had to gulp because of Phlegm and I had to fight the urge to throw up! And I sneezed fifty times in a row, I have a headache, I can’t breathe because my throat’s all scratchy. But I don’t like taking medicine :( Help please. Thanks :)

  3. david Says:
    May 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm

    When you have a cold, or a flu the inconvientient truth is that you have to aggrevate it! If you sit and vegetate resting while sick, your body gets taken over by the flu. Whats the secret? Working up a sweat! Sweat is a way your body rids of toxins from your body, resting just worsens the case. Work up a sweat by exercising, steam room, or just turning up the heat in your house. Don’t settle for harmful over the counter medicines that claim to assist, but they just cover up the symptoms. Remember to sweat the cold off and you’ll be better in no time!

  4. ashley Says:
    May 14th, 2009 at 11:53 am

    iv’e been sick fro about 3 weeks now i have a stuffy noise and i cant breath outta it i cant breath out of my mouth either i never sleeped for like 3 weeks and im sooo tierd i have to sleep sitting up on the couch becuase i cant breath!!

  5. VIKRAM Says:
    May 6th, 2009 at 9:35 am

    I GET COLD EASILY SO PLZ TELL ME THE NATURAL REMEDY TO GET RID OF IT

  6. GABRIELLA. Says:
    May 4th, 2009 at 2:10 am

    HOW TO QUICKLY CURE A COLD.
    ◊ Get a bowl of very hot water (not boiling), and add two spoonfuls of Vicks Vapour Rub. (optional) Grab a teatowel, or a normal towel, and put your head just above the water. Put the towel over your head and inhale the steam. Do this for about 10 - 15 minutes, and keep lifting your head for a few seconds if its gets too hot.
    ◊ Crunch an icecube, and let the coldness slip down your throat.
    ◊ Drink some lemon tea, and add honey. (optional)
    ◊ Eat a bit more fruit, oranges, bananas. But kiwi fruit seems to be the best option.
    ◊ If you’ve got a temperature, rinse a clean flannel with cold water, and put it over desired body parts.
    ◊ Obviously, keeps drinking loads of water to try and flush out the cold.
    Hope these methods work for you! Good luck, and get well soon. xo

  7. Lena Says:
    May 2nd, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    My science teacher said if it’s the common cold, it’s useless to try to get rid of it, but you might want to build your immune system by drinking lots of water, getting fresh air, getting sleep, etc…

    This sucks, I have a cold and I’m singing a solo part, well right now we’re practicing, but I still sound stupid >__> and yet he’s suppose to be the “older” one by “6 years”….

  8. Emma Butler Says:
    April 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    i have had a cold for last few days and i hate it, it makes my eyes wtaery and everything and i have a huge weekend party in under 2 weeks and my birthday on 17th! i need to be better!

  9. mary Says:
    April 15th, 2009 at 10:47 am

    You said to put PETROLEUM JELLY under your nose and inhale the vapors.
    There is no ODOR to Petroleum Jelly. I think you mean to put VICKS
    Vapor Rub - which is like Petroleum Jelly - only has a zing of an aroma.

  10. jesse Says:
    April 14th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    ahh, i’ve been sick for a week now! it started out with a flu, and now i just have a really bad cold. i need help! i have a date tomorrow, and i’m going going to vegas in 5 days! any remedies? i’ve tried everything listed so far :(

  11. Anna Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    I’ve just recently caught my younger sister’s cold. Usually I don’t get sick easily, so I not used to this… My body aches, my throat was sore, I even got a fever. Its a good thing we have a four day weekend or I wouldn’t have made it to school.
    My brother has been giving me tea with lemon and honey before I go to bed. It helps you go to sleep and sooths sore throats too.
    I’m not sure if anybody else has had this but, I find I can’t stand up for very long or I get dizzy. I hope you all don’t feel as bad as me. Later days.

  12. gabby lopiano Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 5:16 am

    helllppp i hav had a cold for too long now i want it to go i have a really big date in a few days i dont want a hudge snot parade please help n is tht kiwi true please help :’( :(:(:(

  13. phil mckrackin Says:
    April 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    i feel like dump salad and i am going to dominacon republic in 3 days i better get better

  14. Fettxdg Says:
    April 6th, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    Well I have a cold and my science fair is tommorow omg what to do what to do

  15. halee Says:
    April 4th, 2009 at 11:36 am

    okay you guys. this might seem crazy but i know the best way to get rid of a cold. and that is eat a kiwi! it really works. i sware. try it and see if you feel better (:

  16. timothy culverson Says:
    April 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    hi i am really sick beem sick for 3 days cant sleep and i cant take it no more is there a way that i can cure it fast without spending money.

  17. Brittany Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    I have had a cold for the past 2 days now, and my mom is really mad at me cause im missing school. So any suggestions??

  18. danielle Says:
    March 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    I FEEL LIKE CRAP
    my friend let three of us all get her cold and she right now is at home resting her little head and i have a hundred tests and two parties tomorrow omg….

  19. Fanny Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    The best remedy I know to get rid of a cold is to put a mug of lemonade in the microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 mins, be careful when you get it out as it gets really fizzy, stir it gently to release excess bubbles and sip slowly throughout the day, add some kind of blackcurrant juice/cordial and honey and it will get rid of sore throats quicker, use this before going to bed to have a better nights sleep.

  20. zara Says:
    March 20th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    argh i just got a cold from brother :( i got runny nose really sore throat tired.

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