10 Things You Can Do To Fight The Cold
Maintaining a minimum of rest is essential to get the cold and its symptoms to subside, since our body needs to gather energy to fight viruses
The cold is one of the diseases that afflict us when our immune system is weakened. It is a viral infection that compromises the health of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Therefore, we often wonder how to fight the cold.
It usually occurs more frequently on cold days, although it can originate at any time due to the attack of various types of viruses.
Although it is considered harmless and does not usually cause complications, it produces uncomfortable symptoms that can be a reason for disability for several days.
For this reason, it is important to know how to combat it from home, adopting healthy habits to promote respiratory health without the need for medications.
This time we want to review some of its related causes and 10 things we can all do to cope without so many difficulties.
Why do colds occur?
First of all, it should be noted that there are a wide variety of viruses that can cause the common cold. However, most of the time it is due to rhinovirus attack .
On the one hand, these microorganisms manage to enter our body through the mouth, eyes or nose. They can be spread to other people through contact with airborne droplets when someone infected coughs, sneezes, or talks.
On the other hand, and to a lesser extent, they can also be infected by the use of shared items such as utensils, towels or toys. There is a possibility of contagion if we touch the eyes or mouth after such contact.
Among the population and risk factors we find:
- Children under 6 years of age, especially if they are in daycare
- People with weak immune systems
- Winter or autumn time
- Tobacco use
- Contact with someone infected
Cold symptoms
In this sense, the symptoms of the common cold usually appear one to three days after contact with the virus. These can manifest themselves in different ways in each patient, depending on the level of response with which their immune system reacts.
Discomforts include:
- Nasal congestion
- Throat pain
- Dry or phlegmy cough
- Chest congestion
- Body and head pain
- Sneezing
- General discomfort
Things that can help you fight a cold
Today, there are many over-the-counter medications that can control cold symptoms. However, in addition to these, it is good to take into account some measures that allow you to fight it naturally.
1. Absolute rest
First of all, in order not to suffer complications due to the cold, it is essential to rest.
The body is struggling to fight viruses and needs you to save your energy.
2. Stop smoking
In turn, cigarette smoking can cause severe complications in patients with colds. For this reason, if you are used to smoking, it is essential that you quit the habit to be able to recover soon.
3. Eat well
On the one hand, having a good diet is key to strengthening the defenses and fighting the cold.
If you are going through this disease, make sure you eat healthy and balanced, at least 3 times a day.
4. Stay warm
It should be noted that cold climates tend to make the symptoms of this condition worse.
Therefore, you should try to stay warm and warm until you feel better.
5. Drink plenty of fluids
Likewise, it is essential to increase the consumption of water and healthy drinks to avoid dehydration while the infection continues. We must try to consume at least 2 liters of liquids a day to combat the cold.
6. Consume citrus
On the other hand, the abundant consumption of citrus fruits provides an extra vitamin C to the body.
This nutrient strengthens the immune system and improves the response against the viruses that cause the infection.
7. Nasal wash
In turn, if you have too much nasal congestion, you may want to consider washing. It is a simple, painless procedure that helps you loosen excess mucus.
8. Do not use antibiotics
Careful! Colds are not fought with antibiotics.
The disease is caused by viruses and these drugs are helpful in cases of bacterial infections.
9. Prepare infusions
There are dozens of herbal, spice, and fruit infusions that can soothe some cold symptoms.
Its consumption several times a day reduces congestion and headaches.
10. Avoid sudden temperature changes
Finally, one of the reasons it is better to rest during cold days is to prevent sudden changes in temperature. While they don’t always have a significant impact, they sometimes prolong symptoms.
Do you have cold symptoms? Try to follow all the recommendations given to fight the cold and accelerate your recovery. If you experience a fever or breathing difficulties, see your doctor.
Although colds rarely get complicated, certain cases can trigger ear infections, asthma attacks, or acute sinusitis.
