There’s nothing fun about having a cold. In fact, most people would say that it’s one of the worst things imaginable. Not only does it make you feel terrible, but it also can keep you from doing what you need to do. That’s why it’s important to know how to get rid of a cold fast.
11 Ways to Get Rid of a Cold Fast
Here are 11 ways to get rid of your cold fast. Hopefully, one of these will work for you and you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time!
1/11 – Drink Lots of Water
Water is essential for life. It’s no wonder that drinking lots of water helps get rid of a cold fast. When you’re sick, your body needs all the fluids including soup it can get to help flush out the virus or infection and heal properly. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and you’ll start to feel better in no time.
2/11 – Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is also important when you’re sick. When you sleep, your body has a chance to heal itself. Make sure you’re getting enough rest by going to bed early and taking naps during the day if necessary. You’ll start to feel better once you’ve had a chance to catch up on some sleep.
3/11 – Drink Herbal Tea
Herbal tea can help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Chamomile and peppermint are two herbs that are especially effective in helping to get rid of a cold fast.
4/11 – Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. It can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat.
5/11 – Take a Hot Bath
Soaking in a hot bath can help to relieve muscle aches and pains that often accompany a cold. Add some eucalyptus oil to your bathtub to help clear your sinuses.
6/11 – Take a Steamy Shower
Steamy showers can help to open up your nasal passages and ease congestion. They can also help you to relax, which can aid in getting some much-needed rest.
7/11 – Get Some Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that can help to boost your immune system and shorten the duration of a cold. You can find zinc supplements at most health food stores.
8/11 – Pack on the Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known home remedy for the common cold. You can take vitamin C supplements, or you can get your daily dose by eating foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
9/11 – Try Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays can help to ease congestion and make it easier to breathe. However, it’s important to use them as directed, as they can be addictive and cause more harm than good if used too often.
10/11 – Take a Cough Suppressant
If your cough is keeping you up at night or making it difficult to focus during the day, a cough suppressant can help. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
11/11 – Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air can help to ease congestion and make it easier to breathe. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
How to Prevent Getting a Cold?
Whether it’s the peak of cold and flu season or you’re just trying to ward off sickness for the sake of your own health, it’s important to know how to prevent getting a cold.
While there is no guaranteed way to avoid every single cold virus, there are certain steps you can take to give yourself the best chance at staying healthy. From washing your hands regularly to boosting your immune system with vitamins, here are some tips on how to prevent getting a cold.
1) Wash your hands regularly and often.
This is one of the most important and effective ways to prevent the spread of illness. Cold viruses are typically spread through contact with respiratory secretions, so it’s important to wash your hands after you sneeze or cough, and before you eat. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also be effective in preventing the spread of cold viruses.
2) Avoid touching your face.
This is especially important if you haven’t washed your hands recently. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can give cold viruses a direct route into your body.
3) Keep surfaces clean.
Cold viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, so it’s important to regularly clean surfaces that are commonly touched, such as door handles, countertops, and light switches.
4) Drink plenty of fluids.
Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it can also help to thin mucus, making it easier to clear your congestion.
Water is always a good choice, but you can also drink herbal tea, fruit juice, or broth-based soups.
Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks, as they can actually make your congestion worse.
5) Gargle with warm salt water.
Gargling with warm salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and break down mucus.
To make the gargle, mix together ¼ teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water.
Tilt your head back and Gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Repeat as needed.
You can also try using a neti pot to rinse your sinuses with a saline solution.
Just be sure to sterilize the pot before each use.
Pour the mixture into the neti pot and tilt your head to the side.
Gently pour the solution into one nostril, allowing it to drain out the other.
Repeat on the other side.
Be sure to rinse out the pot after each use and let it air dry.
Conclusion
So there you have it – eleven scientifically-proven ways to get rid of a cold fast. Of course, if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a few days, be sure to see your doctor. But for the average cold, these tips should do the trick.
And remember, Prevention is key! Keep yourself healthy and well-rested and you may never even come down with a cold in the first place. How will you implement these tactics into your daily routine?
