I have had the nastiest cold this week, and it’s been kicking my butt since last week (that makes this fight 5 days old now) and I’m absolutely tired of it, and tired in general. So after doing some research, I’ve found some sure-fire ways to help you get rid of your cold and move on with your life.
But first, the annoying symptoms
(I got the following info from MayoClinic.com):
- Stuffy nose or a runny nose
- Sore or itchy throat
- Mild body aches or minor headaches
- Minor fever
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Sneezing
Check, check, check, yes I have all of them. Lucky me! I’m a Bingo winner of head colds.
When to see a doctor?
This is for adults…
- If you have a fever of 103° F or higher
- That same fever coupled with sweating, chills, and a cough with discolored phlegm
- Major swollen glands
- Severe sinus pain
I don’t have any of those painfully torturous symptoms so there’s only one thing for me to do; let it run it’s course. But with what I’ve found, I can hopefully make that course run a little faster and get done a little sooner.
Here are 10 tips to help you get rid of that nasty cold:
- Drink warm fluids. It helps to relieve sinus pressure and congestion.
- Get plenty of rest. Duh, I know you hear this one in every list but for real, how is your body supposed to work overtime if YOU are working overtime? Let your body do it’s thing and stop getting in the way.
- Get a humidifier. Dry air is not going to help you with your cold, in fact it will do the opposite and make you feel worse (adding to a stuffy nose and a dry, scratchy throat). Get a humidifier and let it work wonders for your head cold.
- Stock up on cough drops. These are great for sore throats and can even help clear up your nasal passages. Look for different kinds with extra vitamins in them as well.
- Eat chicken noodle soup. There is just something about it, no really, studies have shown that chicken noodle soup can help provide anti-inflammatory properties along with relieve congestion.
- Take some Tylenol. But don’t overdo it as it can have negative effects on your liver if you use it for a long period of time. Tylenol contains acetaminophen that can help to reduce a headache, your sore throat, and even a fever.
- Drink orange juice and lots of water. Orange juice contains vitamin C and water will help your body stay well-hydrated to best fight the cold.
- Minimize dairy products. Believe it or not, consuming dairy products can add to your mucus level. It’s best to just stick to the basics for a few days.
- Take your exercise level down. Take it easy on your body right now because it’s doing some serious work inside. Switch your run for a walk, and your weight-lifting for some yoga or pilates.
- Take a long, hot shower. Let the steam naturally act as a decongestant and loosen up your nasal passages and sinuses.
I hope these tips help you combat your illness as I combat mine! Here’s to a healthier us! 🙂
Hearts,
Sarah
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