10 Steps for Fighting A Cold

The common cold is an illness that strikes when your immune system is weakened. It’s a viral infection that affects the health of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).

In this article, you’ll learn 10 step for fighting a cold.

Colds are more common when it’s cold out, although they can appear at any time since there are many kinds of cold viruses.

Even though they’re not usually life-threatening or cause complications, they do produce uncomfortable symptoms that can leave you out of commission for several days.

As such, it’s important to know how to fight them at home by taking on healthy habits that bolster respiratory health without medication.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the causes of the common cold and 10 things you can do to recover without much effort.

Causes of the common cold

There are many viruses that cause the common cold; however, most are due to the rhinovirus.

These microorganisms enter the body through the mouth, eyes, or nose. They can be spread to others through contact with droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

To a lesser extent, they can also be spread through shared items like utensils, towels, and toys. There’s a possibility of transmitting them if you touch your eyes or mouth following exposure.

Those who are most at risk and risk factors include:

• Children under 6, especially those attending daycare
• Individuals with weak immune systems
• Wintertime or fall
• Tobacco consumption
• Contact with an infected person

See also:

A Stimulating Medicinal Drink for a Cough and Colds

Cold symptoms

Symptoms of the common cold usually appear one to three days after coming into contact with the virus. They can present in different ways in each person, depending on their immune system’s response.

Symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Dry cough or with phlegm
• Chest congestion
• Body aches and headaches
• Sneezing
• General discomfort

Steps for fighting a cold

There are many over-the-counter medications that control cold symptoms. However, it’s also a good idea to know how to fight them naturally.

1. Complete rest

It’s crucial to rest to avoid any complications from a cold.

Your body is fighting against a virus and needs to conserve its energy.

2. Stop smoking

Smoking cigarettes can lead to serious complications in individuals with a cold. As such, if you smoke, it’s important that you stop to recover more quickly.

3. Eat well

A healthy diet is instrumental in strengthening the immune system.

If you’re recovering from a cold, make sure to eat at least three healthy and balanced meals a day.

4. Stay warm

Cold weather tends to worsen cold symptoms.

Therefore, try to keep warm and bundled up until you feel better.

5. Drink plenty of fluids

Increasing your intake of water and healthy drinks is crucial to preventing dehydration while the infection runs its course. Try to drink at least two liters of fluids a day.

Recommended reading:

4 Reasons for Drinking Warm Instead of Cold Water

6. Eat citrus fruit

Eating plenty of citrus fruit gives your body a boost of vitamin C.

This nutrient strengthens the immune system and improves your body’s reaction to cold viruses.

7. Nasal irrigation

If your nose is very congested, try nasal irrigation.

It’s a simple, painless procedure that will help clear mucus.

8. Don’t use antibiotics

Be careful! Colds can’t be treated with antibiotics.

This illness is caused by viruses and antibiotics are for bacterial infections.

9. Drink herbal tea

There are dozens of teas made with plants, spices, and fruit that can curb cold symptoms.

Taking them several times a day reduces congestion and headaches.

10. Avoid sudden changes in temperatures

One of the reasons you should rest completely when you have a cold is to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Even though they don’t always have a big impact, they can prolong symptoms.

Are you experiencing cold symptoms? Try to follow all these recommendations to speed up your recovery. If you have fever or difficulty breathing, consult with your doctor.

Although colds rarely lead to complications, some can lead to ear infections, asthma attacks, or acute sinusitis.

A Stimulating Medicinal Drink for a Cough and Colds

During the changes of the seasons or variable temperatures, the natural defenses of our bodies weaken. That is why we need to reinforce them with natural and healing ingredients. For this we can take advantage of this stimulating medicinal drink based on spices. Read more »