Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

Here are some tips, to help you take care of that nasty cold you got, during the summer.

REST!!!

When you sleep, your body is able to fight infections more effectively, even minor ones like colds. So just going to bed an hour or two earlier will help your body recover more quickly.

Drink more fluids
Water and sports drinks. No alcohol, sodas or coffee. Water and sports drinks rehydrate your body and help clear congestion and enable your body to fight the infection.
Drink more than you usually should in an average day.

Take meds
There is no medication that will cure the common cold. Over the counter cold medications will usually help relieve your symptoms so you can function and feel better, even if it is just for a little while. But remember, they are not killing the virus, just helping you cope with the symptoms.

Other remedies to relieve symptoms
Humidifiers and even chicken soup can go a long way towards making you feel better. Standing in a steamy bathroom may help congestion and even calm a cough. Of course none of these remedies are actually curing your cold either, but they can help you feel better, which of course is everyone’s main objective when you are sick.

Other old school tips:
Drink or take a lot of Vitamin C. Vitamin C will boost your immune system, just don’t over do it.

The RDA or recommended daily allowance is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. High doses of vitamin C (greater than 2000 milligrams per day for adults) may cause kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea. (WebMD)

I know Buckley’s is nasty, but it works. Especially if you have a congested chest. Take one teaspoon and have that OJ ready, to chase after you take that Buckley’s, so you wont feel the taste as much.

Don’t want take Buckley’s but still have a congested chest, rub some Vicks VapoRub, on the chest and neck that will help release the phlegm.

Have a sore throat? Gargle warm water with salt. This will help soothe the throat to help you swallow better. Just make sure your throat is not infected.

Sweat! Sweat that cold out.

Rest is pretty much all you need, eat that soup, drink your fluids, and just lay in bed. In a day or two you’ll be better.