How to Relieve Your Cold Symptoms

Every year, people across the United States catch over one billion colds—it’s no wonder why it’s called the “common cold”. In fact, you’re likely to experience more colds in your lifetime than any other illness.¹ And when you do get a cold, you want to know how to get over it as fast as possible. With cold and flu season in full swing, here are some tips to help you fight back and relieve your pesky cold symptoms.

The Fastest Way to Get Over a Cold

Treating a cold at home can be a tricky process. You may be so eager to feel better that you’ll try any combination of home remedies and over-the-counter medications. It’s important to keep in mind that while you cannot cure your cold right away, you can manage its symptoms to feel better while your cold runs its course.⁵

Below are some tips to help you take good care of yourself while you get over your cold:

1. Stay hydrated

While it may not be possible to simply get over a cold quickly, you can help yourself feel better by staying hydrated. When you’re sick, your body is typically expelling more fluids, and most colds take place during cooler months when the air is drier.⁵ Liquids are essential for preventing dehydration, especially during the winter, so drink plenty of water, fruit juices and clear broths throughout the day. Tea with lemon and honey can keep you hydrated and soothe a sore throat.⁵Stay away from alcohol, coffee and any caffeinated sodas as they can make dehydration worse.

2. Get Plenty of Rest

When you’re fighting a cold and feeling under the weather, it’s important to take some time out and simply rest. Your immune system is busy working to fight off the infection, so your body needs time to restore and heal. That’s why it’s key to get as much sleep as possible. Embrace naps, turn in early and catch as many z’s as you can. If your symptoms are mild and you feel up to it, feel free to exercise, just know that your tolerance for physical activity may be lessened.⁵ If your symptoms are more severe, or if you have underlying health conditions, take it easy and allow your immune system to recharge.⁵

3. Gargle Salt Water

Salt water is a quick way to ease the pain caused by a sore throat. When you gargle with salt water, the salt draws water out of the tissues in your throat to soothe inflammation while loosening any built-up mucus.⁵ Add no more than ½ teaspoon of salt per 8-ounces of water to get a temporary relief from your sore throat.²

4. Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to your home, which can help loosen congestion. Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer can be especially helpful for sore throats and sinus congestion that you may experience with a cold.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

The types of foods you eat can provide nutrients to help support your immune system. Making sure you’re getting enough vitamins A, C, and E, along with enough zinc and protein might help strengthen your immune system. These nutrients help your body function by working as antioxidants to protect your healthy cells and by producing antibodies that support your immune cells.⁴Vitamin C and zinc are essential nutrients for a healthy diet, and taking care of your body when you’re under the weather can help you to manage your symptoms.⁵

6. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Look for over-the-counter medications like Theraflu that have active ingredients to ease different cold symptoms. Some of the ingredients you want to quickly relieve your symptoms are:

Acetaminophen changes the way your body perceives pain. It also lowers your fever.³
Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant that causes vasoconstriction, which leads to decreased swelling and increased drainage of the sinus cavities.³
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that helps in relieving sneezing and runny nose, which can help some people find relief from symptoms.³
Dextromethorphan relieves coughing by reducing activity in the part of the brain that’s responsible for it.³

7. Feel Better with Theraflu

While there is no immediate cure for a cold, over-the-counter cold and flu medicines like Theraflu can help ease your most severe symptoms and get you back on your feet. Theraflu makes products that include active ingredients to help you feel better quickly. There are medicines for daytime relief, night-time relief and ExpressMax for when you’re looking for symptom relief with a warming sensation. And with powerful symptom relief, especially at night, you’ll be able to rest as you recover—and get relief from your cold symptoms, fast.

See how long it takes for Theraflu to work, and get cold relief fast by finding the right Theraflu product for your cold symptoms.

References
Vorvick, L. J., MD. Common Cold. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000678.htm. Accessed 9/19/16.

Cold Remedies. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403. Accessed 5/26/21.

The Common Cold and the Flu. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13756--colds-and-flu-symptoms-treatment-prevention-when-to-call . Accessed 5/26/21.

Immune Boosters. UC Davis Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/5-immune-boosters-to-help-keep-you-healthy-amid-covid-19-outbreak/2020/01 . Accessed 5/26/21.

How to Get Rid of a Cold. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cold/. Accessed 9/12/22.

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How to Relieve Your Cold Symptoms

The Fastest Way to Get Over a Cold

1. Stay hydrated

2. Get Plenty of Rest

3. Gargle Salt Water

4. Use a Humidifier

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

6. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

7. Feel Better with Theraflu

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