How to Get Over a Cold Faster

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By adecesare
User-Submitted Article

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It may taste gross, but it works!

Colds can sneak up on you when you least expect it and leave you unable to do anything you had planned for the week. But with a little work, you can shorten a cold.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

multi-vitamins
juice

Step 1

Colds are caused by viruses, so they do not respond to antibiotics. Instead of heading straight for the medications, which cover up symptoms but don't make the cold go away, focus on fixing the cold.
Step 2

Wash your hands frequently, with warm, soapy water. This will send those pesky viruses packing, giving your immune system a chance to catch up and fight whatever's left over. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, touching your face, and changing a diaper and before preparing food.
Step 3

Make sure you get enough vitamin C. This will stimulate your immune system, helping you beat the cold. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, many juices and some vegetables. Check nutrition labels, and when all else fails, aim for brightly-colored fruits and vegetables.
Step 4

Blow your nose often. Again, the goal is to get rid of the germs. If your nose is stuffy and tissues won't get it out, try some hot steam. A bowl of soup, a cup of tea and a hot shower will all help to coax the mucus out.

Tips & Warnings

Change your sheets. Germs can lurk there, and make you sick again right after you get better.
Same with your toothbrush - soak the bristles in rubbing alcohol before using it again.
If you are "stuffed up", try a vaporizer to loosen your congestion.
If all else fails, try a decongestant until the cold goes away, but keep trying everything else.
If you experience a high fever (over 102 degrees), it may not be a cold. Contact your health care professional.