Now that summer is at an end, we have some new things to look forward to, such as crisp fall evenings, the holiday season and colds. As much as we wanted to forget all about them during the summer, the fact is that the germs and viruses will be hanging around our bodies and our homes very soon. Here are some measures that you can take to try to kill the cold in its tracks when you start to feel the first symptoms.
Start Drinking
When that tell-tale tickle in your throat appears, start to increase your intake of water and juice. Staying hydrated will sooth your throat, thin mucus secretions and may help your body to fight off the infection.
Start Gargling
Add a little bit of salt to a glass of warm water and start gargling. This will do too things. The salt will decrease the inflammation to make your sore and scratchy throat feel better, and it may also flush out mucus, bacteria and viruses. Gargling isn’t a bad idea to try even when you just think that you might have been exposed to cold germs.
Take a Hot Shower
The warm steam from a hot shower can open nasal and bronchial passages and make breathing easier so you aren’t sniffling up mucus and germs. The hot shower can also keep you warm and sooth sore muscles.
Take Your Medicine
Pain relievers can help keep your fever down, and decongestants can help with the stuffy and runny nose, keeping you mucus free before the cold takes hold. Keep these medications stocked at home or make a quick trip to the drugstore when you first feel cold symptoms.
Get Some Rest
The first few hours of a cold are crucial because your body still has a chance to fight it off before it takes hold. In order to do the best job possible at getting healthy again, your body needs its rest. Skip work if you can. Not only will you probably get better sooner, but your co-workers will thank you for keeping your germs at home.
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