The common cold is a viral infection that can be spread by direct
contact with someone who has a cold. It can also be transferred from one
person to another by way of tiny air droplets released through a
sneeze, cough, or by someone blowing their nose. Cold viruses can live
on surfaces for several hours, too; you can become ill by touching a
contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Typical
symptoms of a cold include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore
throat, cough, and headache. Symptoms usually last for three to seven
days, up to two weeks.
The
good news is that keeping up on your overall hygiene, including washing
your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, can help
prevent the spread of germs. So can wearing a medical mask over your
mouth and nose, much as you would to help prevent COVID.
Although there is no proven cure for a cold, there are ways to get some relief. Here are four remedies that may help.
Use a humidifier
A
humidifier won’t get rid of your cold, but if you have a stuffy nose,
it might make it easier for you to breathe. It does this by helping to
keep the mucous membranes in the lining of your nose moist. Try to
maintain your room’s humidity somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.
Take
note, however: Although a humidifier can be a useful tool to generate
moisture, it can also spread germs and mold through the air if you don’t
rinse and scrub it with dish soap and warm water frequently. Keeping
your humidifier clean is especially important for people with allergies
or asthma.
Taking a hot shower may help temporarily, too, thanks to the humidity it generates within a closed space
Gargle with saltwater
When
mucus drips into the back of your throat (also called postnasal drip),
you may end up with a sore throat, but gargling with salt water may
provide temporary relief. Try mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
into 4 to 8 ounces of warm water, and then gargle. While it won’t cure
the underlying infection, it’s not likely to be harmful.
Drink lots of water
Although staying hydrated doesn’t reduce the duration of cold symptoms,
it may ease them. Drinking plenty of water can loosen congestion in the
throat and maintain your balance of bodily fluids. Maintaining proper
hydration can help especially if you feel a fever coming on: Any time
you’re sweating out your liquids, it’s important to replenish them. In
addition to water, drinking warm beverages such as tea or soup can help
relieve congestion.
Always
talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about how much water is right
for you. Individual needs vary depending on your activity level, the
weather, environmental conditions, and medications you may be taking.
Over-the-counter medications
Unfortunately,
there’s no medication proven to cure the common cold. Sometimes,
however, nasal decongestant or antihistamine medicines may help a runny
nose and sneezing. Some pain relievers can ease discomfort associated
with a headache or sore throat, as well, and certain cough suppressant
medications could help control short-term coughing.
It’s
important to find what works for you. Carefully read product labels and
only take medications as directed. Speak with your HCP if you have any
concerns about specific drugs. Also reach out to your HCP if your cold
symptoms don’t improve or worsen after three to five days.
Roughly boil 500 ml water with 15-20 tulsi leaves, ginger 1" finely chopped or grated, 2 black peppercorns crushed. Once water starts boiling, simmer for 3-4 minutes. Strain it, divide it into roughly 3 parts - 1) drink at once as hot as possible, 1) heat and drink in the afternoon and 3rd heat and drink at night. If the heaviness still persists, repeat it the next day. Sure to get relief.
At the very 1st symptom of heading for cold/ fever, peel and cut a medium size red onion roughly. Keep it in a small cup near you for a week. You'll not get a cold nor fever.
If you apply daily little mustard oil in your nostrils and rub little oil under your foot, you'll not catch a cold was told by a friend, which they said it is sure to escape from suffering from cold.
Good luck to all to be safe from cold and fever this winter.