How to Get Rid of a Viral Cold

Because a cold is caused by a virus, you can't treat it with an antibiotic, because antibiotics only kill bacteria. (In fact, it's dangerous to use antibiotics to treat a cold, because antibiotic overuse can leave your body vulnerable if you develop a real bacterial infection.) Other treatments won't cure your cold, either---the only real cure is to let the virus run its course. However, there are ways to shorten your cold and prevent it from turning into a more serious condition.

Things You'll Need

• Cold medication
• Humidifier
• Fluids
• Chicken soup
• Echinacea

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Instructions

• 1

  Taking a pain reliever, decongestant or antihistamine won't help cure your cold, but it will make dealing with a cold much easier. Stick to recommended doses. Stay away from cough syrup, as it generally doesn't work and may be dangerous to small children.

• 2

  Drink. Your body loses necessary fluids because of increased mucus production and fever. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, though, as these actually dehydrate you.

• 3

  Try chicken soup. Chicken soup isn't just a folk remedy---the soup actually helps loosen mucus, and it may help regulate white blood cells.

• 4

  Use a humidifier to get water into dry air. Dry air can worsen a cough or congestion. Make sure that the humidifier is clean so you don't end up inhaling mold or bacteria.

• 5

  Rest. By not overexerting yourself, you allow your body time to fight viral infection.

• 6

  Take echinacea. This supplement may help ease cold symptoms and shorten cold duration, although researchers aren't quite sure. It's best to take echinacea right after you feel your first cold symptoms.