How to Get Rid of a Cold That Lingers

Most colds last no more than ten days after the initial symptoms of a runny nose, stuffiness and coughing, but improper rest and a lack of fluids can draw the symptoms out longer than usual. Your immune system works harder when battling a cold, which can leave it in a weakened state; it may be unable to quickly bounce back to its normal functional state. As a result, your overall feeling of discomfort and a runny nose may persist longer than normal. While medications help reduce symptoms, home remedies are necessary to boost your body's immune system.

Things You'll Need

• Multivitamin supplements
• Hand sanitizer

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink water. When battling a cold, drink water continuously. Your body needs water to function, and is prone to dehydration while sick. During the last leg of a cold, your nose runs due to mucus buildup; water helps clear out the mucus by thinning it out.

• 2

  Get enough sleep. Sleep for at least seven hours at night. Seven to eight hours of sleep, if not more, is essential to allow your body to rest and recover from being sick. Sleep with an open window at night or use a fan in your bedroom to keep the room cool for a comfortable night's rest.

• 3

  Take multivitamins. Multivitamins that contain vitamin D, vitamin B12 and B6 are immune system boosters that are meant to supplement your daily vitamin intake from a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables and lean meat. Follow the vitamin's directions for proper dosage.

• 4

  Wash your hands frequently. Your hands harbor millions of germs and you can easily spread those germs, thus prolonging your illness, if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Scrub your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 30 seconds to disinfect your hands or use hand sanitizer to kill germs.