a common cold question...?

Question

I know that that there obviously isn't a cure for the common cold yet. But is there anything that can be done to cut the time in which you have the cold in half?

Answer 1

Mostly the common cold has to run its course. However, if you get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids. A warm air humidifier in your bedroom will help with congestion. Over the counter products will help relieve symptoms but will not shorten the duration of the cold. There seems to be no proven way to shorten the duration of a cold.

Answer 2

Cold remedies: What works If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for about a week. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help: * Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse. * Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. * Saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children. * Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. So which is better, homemade or canned? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch. *Over-the-counter cold medications. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents avoid such cold medicines for children younger than age 2. And they are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children. Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to drug overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing. * Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

Answer 3

Have you heard of the product "Air born" You can buy it any pharmacy/grocery store. They are tablets that dissolve in water. They won't make your cold go away, but I really believe that it boosts your immune system to help your body fight harder. I also drink a few cups of green tea to give my immune system a boost, too. Lots of orange juice too and now I hear that Pomegranate juice is supposed to be the best juice on the market. It's loaded with anti-oxidants. It's sold under the name POM usually found in fresh fruit/veggie aisle. Good luck!

Answer 4

take a lot of vitamin C, eat oranges, it helps though doesnt cure it. It seems for me to make it last a shorter time. Get a lot of sleep.

Answer 5

if u have a yucky cough use musionex it works gr8 for a stuffy nose dab some vics on it. and for a headace and fever plain ol ibuprophen works well and drink plenty of fluids oj is gr8 and it will help u get well soon

Answer 6

Sudaphed PE is the best OTC med for colds and congestion

Answer 7

I feel zinc helps me get over a cold faster

Answer 8

yes, if i fill a slight cold coming I take Mucinex it works while you are sleeping and you will fill better in the morning.

Answer 9

rest more than 10 hours and eat midicine like niquil not too much though drink hot liquids more like soup

Answer 10

Zicam and Airborne both seem to work pretty well