Cold season is upon us, which means everyone is catching the common cold and flu virus left and right. Coughing, sneezing, runny/stuffy noses, sore throats, headaches, and muscle soreness can all be annoying symptoms of the common cold. Here are 10 tips to make dealing with the common cold easier to manage!
1. Use a humidifier:
Humidifiers loosen congested sinuses and can help you breathe easier at night and in your sleep. The humid air may provide relief from common cold symptoms and destuff stuffy noses.
2. Take hot showers as frequently as desired:
Hot showers are great for colds as they help loosen mucus and ease coughs. They also relieve the muscle tension that may come along with your cold, leaving you more clear and refreshed.
3. Stay hydrated:
Being hydrated is vital in the treatment of a cold, as water can loosen congestion and overall hydration is important when fighting viral infections like the common cold. Avoid dehydrators like alcohol and caffeine when sick.
4. Drink hot decaffeinated tea:
Hot tea can be therapeutic and relieve pain from frequent coughing. Ensure your tea is decaffeinated, as caffeine can dehydrate and make your symptoms worse.
5. Take pain killers:
Pain killers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Tylenol and Advil) can potentially relieve the pain and soreness associated with the common cold. They will also provide headache relief and make the cold more manageable during a work day.
6. Try a cough syrup or lozenge:
Cough lozenges and syrups are generally found over the counter, and can potentially relieve cough discomfort and sore throats. They will help relieve the bothersome effects of mucus that come with having colds, and may even put you to sleep at night if they are drowsy cough syrups.
7. Use a saline nasal spray:
If bothersome stuffiness and nasal congestion is irking you, try a saline nasal spray or Vicks Vaporrub to help loosen mucus so you can blow it out.
8. Carry travel sized tissues with you:
Sounds simple, but it is essential to carry tissues with you wherever you go when sick with the common cold. Try travel sized tissue packs for convenience to be prepared for any runny nose or sneezing emergencies!
9. Eat some homemade chicken soup:
Chicken soup has remedial powers when it comes to combating the common cold, and will provide you with the comfort you crave when sick with the cold.
10. Take it easy:
When sick with the common cold, it is important to get plenty of rest and relaxation. Get long sleep, stay warm under blankets, or just turn on Netflix and lie down on the couch with some tissues and a hot compress on your forehead. However you decide to manage your cold, do so with relaxation in mind!
