How To Cope With The Common Cold

Step 1: Recognising the symptoms

The earlier you catch a cold coming on, the earlier you can start helping your body to fight it off. Sneezing, a runny nose and a cough are usually the earliest presenting symptoms.

Step 2: Take time off work

Although we don't know why, high levels of stress seem to cause a big reduction in the immune system's effectiveness. Removing stress factors like the latest deadline will help your body to fight off the cold.

Step 3: Medication

Nothing will cure your cold, but there are medicines that can help to relieve your symptoms. Basic painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen can help reduce the discomfort of a sore throat, headache or high temperature. Nasal decongestant sprays are the best at relieving a blocked nose, although are only effective for 5-7 days, after which they can actually worsen the problem. Cough medicines are less effective, but can still have some impact on chesty and dry coughs.

Step 4: Home remedies

Hot drinks will give instant relief to a sore throat. Making yourself very spicy food or hot soup to eat also has a calming effect on a sore or tickly throat. Inhaling steam from very hot water can help to loosen a blocked nose, although be careful to avoid getting steam in your eyes. Using more pillows than normal in bed to prop up your head can also relieve congestion and help you sleep.

Step 5: Supplements

There is anecdotal evidence that supplements such as extra Vitamin C help to boost the immune system, although it is not advised that you take large amounts of any one vitamin or herbal remedy. Check the advice on the box for recommended dosage levels.

Step 6: Give up smoking

If you are a smoker, now is a good time to quit. Smoking irritates the membranes in your nose further, causing your symptoms to get worse.

Step 7: Keep hydrated

The symptoms of a cold drain your body of moisture. To keep your body strong enough, make sure to regularly drink fluids throughout the day.

Step 8: Lower your expectations

Although colds usually do not leave you unable to do things, they will vastly decrease your stamina and energy levels. Straining yourself beyond your body's reduced limits will only make you feel worse, and prolong your recovery time.