How do I get rid of a cold I have had for over a week?

Question

I have tried everything. I have taken sudafed, tylenol, used vicks vapor rub, and used throat drops. It's getting to the point where I can't take it anymore. I just started going back to school at night and working during the day. I can't hault my schedule for this cold but I feel bad going to work and class with it. I took one day out of work to rest thinking that would help but it didn't. Also, my mom gave the cold to me but she didn't have it as bad. Now she still has a little bit of a cold. I am all stuffed up and it's gross cause I just coughed and it was one of those coughs where you can tell that someone has a lot of flem.

Please help me!!!

Answer 1

Rest is the biggest thing. Those medicines only treat the symptoms.

Try to get some sleep, keep your hands washed and enjoy some chicken noodle soup. You'll be back at 'em in no time.

Good luck. *hug*

Answer 2

When I get a cold I take a zinc supplement such as Cold-Eeze and I find it makes the colds go away quickly. If you have the cold another week or you notice some of the symptoms getting worse, I would go see a doctor as you might have picked up a more severe respiratory-tract infection, bronchitis, or something else.

A general warning about antibiotics - don't pressure your doctor to give you one just for a cold (or bronchitis). Antibiotics don't do anything for a cold or for bronchitis. A lot of people do this and this is why we are seeing a rise in the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria/illnesses out there.

Answer 3

If you phlem it sounds like perhape you have a secondary infection. A cold should pass in a week or so. If the congestion persists for more than another day or two, you should get to a doctor for an antibiotic. Or go now! The antibiotic will help get rid of the phlem and help you sleep better at night.

Answer 4

As with most maladies, they will 'cure' themselves given enough time. Colds can last from one to two weeks and sometimes more. The symptoms, however, can be alleviated as already suggested with certain foods / soups and OTC remedies. But I, too, hate colds as they can linger. I'd rather have the flu for one or two days then a cold for 10 days. Then again, you may have more than a cold. You may have bronchitis.

Answer 5

You're beyond help.
Whatever gave you the idea that any treatment shortens the course of a cold, or that a week is an unreasonable length of time to have one? Think of it as one of God's little lessons, teaching you (1) patience and (2) perspective. You can stand it, a lot of things are worse, and it will go away when it's time for it to go away. You might also take this opportunity to learn the spelling of "phlegm."

Answer 6

I had this for 2 weeks and my 3rd week is now and I still have phlegm in my chest area,when I cough I make sure if I can I spit it out .you have done everything you can and the cold has just got to finish it's course,unfortunately.Everyone gets cold and everyone has them worse than the other.

Answer 7

If you DO find out, please let me know! I'm on day 10 of mine, was out all last week from work, and now my poor husband is suffering from it as well. I usually use the cold drops that have Vitamin C, echinacea and zinc in them, and Zicam, and that helps a LOT -- but this cold just won't budge, no matter what I take. My mom suggests peppermint tea and, of course, chicken soup. I'm thinking hot toddies with LOTS of rum.

Answer 8

try a product called Head Cold or Chest Cold, made by natrabio. It is found at a health food store, it works really good. Also supplements of echinashia, goldenseal and eldeberry are very good for getting over a cold

Answer 9

Vitamin C
Sutifed
Chicken noodle soup
lots of water

Answer 10

You should probably stop taking all thosze med's and go to the hospital just a pill of antibiotic medicine to help you once daily. You could just have something minor and its staying becuase of all of the meds.