How to Treat a cold

Those early, telling signs of a cold are something everyone dreads. The scratchy throat, sinus pressure and body aches are common indicators that a cold may be around the bend. However, if you approach them as warning signals they can actually be your first weapon in a beneficial line of defense in reducing the severity and length of a cold. Read on to learn how to treat a cold.

Instructions

• 1

  The body usually warns us that we've contracted a cold. The early signs are your first and best means of getting control of a cold. Ignoring the early symptoms can often lead to far more serious situations that will likely require medical attention from your physician. Learn to listen to your body so that you can predict when a cold is likely coming on. Early detection is essential to treating any illness, whether minor or severe. Once you've determined that you need to act, the sooner you begin nurturing your body the sooner healing can begin.

• 2

  The first steps in treating a cold are so important they should become a matter of habit that you employ any time you or a family member show early symptoms. Hygiene is essential. Wash your hands as often as possible. If you're working or traveling, keep a small bottle of antibacterial hand wash with you and use it every chance you get. Use a disinfectant spray in your home at least twice a day. Spray sitting areas, bathrooms, door knobs, and any other areas that are often touched. Keep boxes of tissues handy for sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose. Discard them immediately. Colds can spread quickly, so be diligent about getting rid of the germs as much as possible.

• 3

  There are a number of natural measures you can take to aid in healing. For a sore or scratchy throat, gargling several times a day with warm salt water can give temporary relief, reduce inflammation, and potentially head off infection. Use a tsp. of salt to a glass of warm water several times a day. Honey is another way to soothe a sore throat and cough, however, never give honey to an infant or a child under the age of two. For a stuffy nose, a saline nose spray is safe to use several times a day. Warm compresses across the sinuses can often give temporary relief from sinus pressure. And even if your appetite is off, it is crucial that you drink plenty of liquids. Fruit juices with Vitamin C and water are excellent sources. For a stuffy head or sinus headache, drink warm liquids to help ease the pressure.

• 4

  Research is mixed as definitive data is concerned on many vitamins, minerals and herbs that are commonly used for fighting colds. Many people do affirm that they have had marked results by using one or a combination of these. Since side affects are generally not a major concern, it is worth trying some of them for yourself. Even though these are purchased over the counter, it is always preferable to speak with your physician before taking any medications or vitamin regimens. Zinc and Vitamin C in combination for the first three to five days could reduce both the severity and the length of your cold. Echinacea is a favorite herb that is commonly used to boost the immune system and help in healing faster from a cold.

• 5

  Last but certainly not least, be an advocate for your body. Slow down, get plenty of rest and avoid large crowds and stressful situations. When your immune system has been compromised, nothing can take the place of listening to your body as it tells you to take it easy and allow yourself to heal.