(BPT) – While there may be no ‘cure’ for the common cold, there are certainly a number of ways you can help you or your family feel more comfortable while battling a cold. There are a plethora of tips and advice for coping with cold symptoms, but following a few tried-and-true methods to overcome the coughs and sniffles of a cold can make a big difference.
Here are 5 tips for getting through your next cold:
1. Rest up
Taking time off from work or school when suffering from a cold not only helps prevent spreading illness to others, but it also gives your body time to take some much-needed rest. The CDC recommends1 getting lots of rest to help you feel better, so grab a blanket and tackle that reading list or enjoy a binge session of your favorite television show.
2. Use an effective over-the-counter cold medicine
When resting is made difficult due to sneezing, coughing and congestion, a trusted over-the-counter (OTC) medication can make all the difference.
For example, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM comes in both a daytime and nighttime formula (for adults and children 12 years and older) to help tackle cold symptoms. The non-drowsy daytime product thins and loosens mucus, while the nighttime formula helps to relieve your runny nose and sneezing and temporarily relieves your cough to help you get to sleep. Both formulas use dextromethorphan, an active cough suppressant ingredient for fast cough relief, providing strong, soothing Robitussin relief from your congestion, mucus, cough and cold symptoms.2
3. Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is important not just for the healing process when you’re sick, but to keep your throat and nose moistened, which can help relieve the most miserable symptoms of your cold. WebMD recommends3 drinking plenty of fluids, cold or hot, that help you feel better when you are suffering from a cold. From water or sports drinks to herbal teas and fruit juices, there are a variety of options to ensure you are staying hydrated.
WebMD4 also recommends gargling with warm salt water or tea and honey to help provide temporary relief for a scratchy or sore throat.
4. Moisturize the air
Colds are often experienced when the weather is cold outside and thus, the thermostat is higher than usual inside, causing dry heat and air. However, restoring moisture in the air can help ease your symptoms. Try a room humidifier or take a steamy shower or bath to help moisturize your throat and nasal passages, further easing cold symptoms like sore throat, stuffiness and coughing.
5. Eat well to help fight your cold
As the old saying goes: feed a cold and starve a fever. While ‘feeding’ your cold does not make it go away, it is a good idea to incorporate more healthy foods to support your overall well-being as you fight off cold symptoms. Healthy foods can include fresh fruits, vegetables and other good sources of vitamins and nutrients. And yes, that certainly includes the time-honored chicken soup.
If you have concerns about any of your cold symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for their advice on care and treatment.
Visit www.Robitussin.com for more information on products to help relieve your common cough and cold symptoms.
1The CDC: Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others
2Always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Robitussin products, and use as directed.
