The common cold, or viral upper respiratory tract infection, is one of the most common illnesses—with most people experiencing two or more per year. Show
While there is no known cure for the common cold, and no prescription medication that will make it go away faster, there are plenty of treatments that can help reduce the congestion, cough, and other uncomfortable symptoms you experience. To get rid of a cold, you can try things like vitamins C, D, and zinc as well as staying hydrated and getting ample amounts of rest. In this article, I’ll talk about how to get rid of a cold. I’ll also outline some strategies to prevent future colds. Finally, I’ll discuss when you should consider seeing a health care provider. Vitamins C, D, and ZincZinc and Vitamin C are often advertised as key cold fighters, but research on this has had mixed results, and no high-quality study has proven any vitamin will make cold symptoms go away faster. Despite these findings, taking regular Vitamin C, D, and Zinc supplements does benefit the body and help maintain overall wellness, including immune health. Just don’t expect them to fully prevent or cure a cold. Have a cold? Chat with a medical provider using K Health. Get started HydrationYou have probably heard the saying “drink plenty of fluids” plenty of times, and for good reason. Drinking lots of water can help loosen the mucus in your nasal cavity and relieve thick nasal congestion. In addition to water, juice and electrolyte-containing fluids will help you replace the fluids and electrolytes you’ve lost, and stop you from becoming dehydrated. Beetroot juiceA study in 2019 looked at the effect of beetroot juice for treating the common cold. 76 students participated in the study and were randomly assigned to drinking one dose of beetroot juice daily for seven days during finals week. The conclusion of the study was that during times of psychological stress, beetroot juice protects a person against cold symptoms, particularly for people with asthma. ProbioticsAlthough further research is needed, probiotics may be beneficial in helping prevent colds. Probiotics are a type of good bacteria taken as a supplement or in yogurt to help strengthen the microbiome. A 2015 analysis of research indicates a possible link to probiotics helping prevent upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold. People with medical conditions should consult with their medical provider before starting to take probiotics. There may be mild side effects such as increased gas or bloating when starting a probiotic. EchinaceaEchinacea is a popular herbal treatment for the common cold. A systematic review of studies showed that the plant may lower the risk of developing colds by more than 58% and shorten the duration of colds by 1.4 days, however research is inconclusive. Despite the lack of conclusive research, echinacea has minimal adverse effects on health, and is safe to incorporate into your wellness routine. Hot CompressesReclining with a warm wet washcloth over your eyes and nose can help warm the nasal passages and loosen built-up mucus. This can relieve sinus pressure. Rest and sleepYour body needs sleep to heal and help your immune system recover. Do your best to get as much rest and sleep as you need while you are sick with a cold. HumidifierDry air can cause further irritation to the nose and throat. Using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer in your bedroom will help add moisture back into the air while you sleep. Over-the-Counter (OTC) MedicationsThere are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can significantly alleviate cold symptoms. These include:
Salt Water GargleGargling water containing salt for sore throat relief works by pulling fluids from the tissues in your throat. It’s recommended to add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Nasal IrrigationUsing a neti pot or commercial saline sinus rinse kit can help clear congested nasal passages and sinuses while also helping relieve dryness. Just make sure to only use prepared sterile saline solution, distilled water, or water that has been brought to a boil, then cooled. Never use water directly from the tap, which can contain a harmful amoeba. Other OptionsThere are also many other natural remedies recommended to treat cold symptoms—from eating a bowl of hot chicken soup to trying a new sleeping position. Though their effectiveness is unproven, most of these remedies will do no harm, and could be worth trying. Preventing the Common ColdWhile no vaccinations currently exist, there are ways to reduce your chances of catching a cold.
Lastly, getting enough sleep can also help you keep your immune system healthy enough to fend off colds.Try to get 8 or more hours of quality sleep every night. Have a cold? Chat with a medical provider using K Health. Get started When To See a Healthcare ProviderWhile the common cold can knock you off your feet, the treatments and remedies shared in this article should help relieve your symptoms and fight off the cold. For most people, symptoms will resolve within 1-2 weeks all on their own. However, there can be signs that suggest that you should see a doctor. If you are experiencing any of the following, see your doctor.
How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long can the common cold last? Colds typically last between 7-14 days, and can be broken down into three stages: early (days 1-3); active or peak (days 4-7) and late (days 8-10). If your cold symptoms persist for more than 10 days or worsen after 7 days, contact your healthcare provider. What happens if you don't treat a cold? In almost all cases, a cold will run its course and get better on its own within 1-2 weeks with no treatment. But using over-the-counter cold remedies can help improve your symptoms and help you to stay hydrated and rest, which can speed recovery. Is the common cold contagious? Yes, most colds are highly contagious. A rule of thumb is that if you are symptomatic, you are contagious. A person can actually start being contagious a day before any cold symptoms present themselves. People are most contagious during the cold’s first 24 hours; they usually remain contagious for the duration of the symptoms. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How can I get rid of a cold in 24 hours?While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.
How do you cure a cold in 2 days?Here are 12 things you can do to relieve cold symptoms and feel better.. Drink plenty of fluids. ... . Get enough sleep. ... . Use saline drops. ... . Gargle salt water. ... . Take pain relievers. ... . Take a spoonful of honey. ... . Use a humidifier. ... . Sip warm liquids.. How long does a common cold last?Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, if symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, see your doctor.
What is a fast cure for a cold?The best way to beat a cold fast is to rest, drink lots of fluids, and treat the symptoms with medicines that relieve pain, coughing, and congestion.
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