How to treat the common cold

Let's admit it, the common cold is ANNOYING. It lingers. Colds have frustrating symptoms like sore throats and runny noses...coughs and stuffed heads. They are miserable enough to make you unhappy, but not enough to warrant calling out from work. Well, worry not, a couple steps in the right direction and you can make your cold more bearable and not as long lived.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Airborne
• Aleve Cold and Sinus

1. SPECIAL NOTE: You should never mix and match over the counter cold medicine. Its an easy way to screw with your system and do possible harm. Some decongestant are contraindicated if used alongside others. The best bet is to choose your favorite and stick to it. And again, choose according to your symptoms. You don't need a cough syrup if you aren't coughing, etc etc.
2. Hydrate. Drink as much fluid as you can stomach. You want to stay hydrated and doing so is going to not only help you feel better, but decrease the longevity of your sickness.
3. The first minute you start sensing a sore throat, a plugged nose, a cough, grab the Airborne and start taking it. You want to catch a cold right when it starts; the sooner you start treating it the sooner you will feel better.
4. Rest. You're body is fighting an illness. The more rest you get, the sooner you will be getting better. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to sleep, more time than is normal for yourself. It is OK to take a day or two off from your workout routine. Breaking down your muscles and giving your body extra things to work on is not going to improve your cold any.
5. If you have a sore throat, gargle warm salt water every hour. There are several teas that are also specifically geared towards sore throats such as Throat Coat. Another age old, Mom approved, feel-good remedy for the sore throat is hot lemon water with honey.

Tips & Warnings

• Colds usually resolve themselves within two weeks. Unless your cold lasts longer or is accompanied by severe shortness of breath there usually is no cause to go to the doctor. Often a cold will transform into something that can be cured with antibiotics, but unless you are having these symptoms (green sputum that persists past two weeks) you will want to treat at home.