How to get rid of a cold
Everyone wants to know how to get rid of cold but the truth of the matter is it’s quite challenging to do alone. With same-day appointments, we can help you feel better quickly:
As the temperature drops and the leaves start to fall, cold and flu season makes its unwelcome return. It's that time of year when sniffles, coughs, and sore throats seem to be lurking around every corner. But fear not! With the right strategies and precautions, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to these pesky viruses. In this blog, we'll explore how to get rid of a cold with some practical tips and habits to help you conquer cold and flu season and stay healthy.
How to prevent a cold
Before we get into how to get rid of a cold, let's start with how not to get one in the first place!
Prioritize Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is your first line of defence against colds and the flu. Make sure to:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching shared surfaces or coming into contact with sick individuals.
- Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can transfer viruses from your hands to your respiratory system.
Disinfect Commonly Touched Surfaces
Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workspace. High-contact areas like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops can harbour germs and viruses. Using an anti-bacterial disinfectant can help reduce the risk of transmission.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
A strong immune system can help fend off cold and flu viruses. To keep your immune system in tip-top shape:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Stay physically active to boost your overall health and immunity.
- Get enough quality sleep to allow your body to repair and regenerate.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Limit Exposure
During peak cold and flu season, it's wise to limit your exposure to crowded places and sick individuals, if possible. If you or someone in your household is feeling unwell, consider staying home to prevent the spread of illness.
Top tips for how to get rid of a cold at home...
How to get rid of a cold
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to remove all risk of catching a cold and we’re all a little at risk of suffering from the sniffles as winter approaches. Here are some steps you can take to help relieve some of your symptoms if you do happen to fall ill:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths to stay hydrated and help loosen congestion.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover faster.
- Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat.
- Saline nasal rinse: Using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot can help clear nasal congestion and relieve irritation.
- Honey and lemon: Mix honey and lemon in warm water to soothe a sore throat and provide relief from coughing.
- Gargling with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
- Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers, can provide relief from symptoms. Always follow the recommended dosage.
Conquering cold and flu season requires a combination of preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices. By prioritising good hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following the tips mentioned above for how to get rid of a cold, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting ill and increase your chance of recovering quickly. Remember that your health should be your priority. On average a cold can last between 1 to weeks and the flu can have you suffering even longer. With proper medical attention, you can be back to feeling more yourself in less time. Don’t suffer unnecessarily and book a same-day appointment with London Doctors Clinic at any of our London locations or online.
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