ISLAMABAD, August 27 (Online): Viruses are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses.
Plenty of rest, fluids, and home remedies can help relieve symptoms.
Although not all home remedies for cold symptoms have enough evidence to prove their effectiveness, common options include:
- Zinc: According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, zinc may help people get over colds more quickly if they start taking it within 24 hours of getting sick. It is important never to place zinc directly in the nose because it can damage the sense of smell.
- Vitamin C: The evidence is limited, but some research suggests that taking at least 1 gram of vitamin C a day can prevent or shorten the duration of a cold. Other research disputes this claim, but as vitamin C is safe to consume and plays a role in many bodily functions, it makes sense to include it in the diet.
- Echinacea: Also known as the coneflower, echinacea may help prevent colds.Studies have produced varying results regarding its effectiveness, however.
- Probiotics: Although the data is not comprehensive, one study found that probiotics were somewhat effective in preventing serious infections in the respiratory tract.
- Nasal irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages can provide some relief from cold symptoms and may prevent some infections. It is essential to use safe, clean water for this procedure.
- Honey: Although children less than 1 year of age should not have honey, it may reduce coughs in older children and help them sleep better.
A cold or flu virus can last for up to 2 weeks, with symptoms usually at their worst for about 2 or 3 days.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should see a doctor if their cold or flu symptoms last longer than 10 days with no signs of improvement.
If people have any unusual symptoms or their symptoms are very severe, they should contact their doctor.
People who may have a higher risk of complications from the flu should contact their doctor when they initially have flu symptoms, as they may need antiviral treatment.
These people include young children and those who are pregnant, aged 65 years or older and at risk due to other medical conditions.
If an infant less than 3 months of age has a fever, a parent or caregiver should contact a doctor straight away.
People may find that the above home remedies help relieve symptoms of a cold and make it pass more quickly.
Other ways to treat symptoms and recover from a cold or the flu include:
- resting
- getting plenty of sleep
- staying warm
- drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to lessen aches or pain
- using a humidifier
People who notice that their symptoms are not improving after 10 days or have any unusual or severe symptoms should see their doctor.
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