How to Cure the Common Cold

The best way to cure the common cold is to prevent a cold. Learn how to do that and what to do to cure it if you do get a cold.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an attitude of prevention first and treatment second

1. The best way to cure the common cold is to prevent it by staying healthy and washing your hands often. However, prevention is not always possible. When it is not, here are some ways to cure the common cold.

2. Drink lots of fluids including water, orange juice for Vitamin C and soups. Rest, rest and rest some more if possible. Your body needs time to heal.

3. Take Tylenol or Advil for high fevers. If you continue to have fevers and chills, alternate the Tylenol and Advil every four - six hours. Be sure to drink lots of fluids with them. Ask your doctor if Zicam is appropriate for you to take. It is a newer cold medicine containing large amounts of zinc.

4. If you are sick and cannot eat much remember the acronym BRAT. It stands for bananas, rice, apples and toast. Those are good foods to eat if your stomach is upset and it may be due to the medicines you are taking.
   
   Wash your hands well so as not to spread your cold to others.

Tips & Warnings

• If your fever continues, see a doctor. You may have an upper respiratory infection and need additional medicines like decongestants or antihistamines.
• The common cold can leave you dehydrated. Enough cannot be said about the importance of drinking lots of fluids.