How to get rid of a cold quickly? Effective methods!
A cold is one of the most common infections, which, although usually mild, requires appropriate care. Ignoring a cold can lead to serious complications, while taking the right action can shorten the duration of the illness and relieve bothersome symptoms. How can you quickly treat a cold? What’s the best remedy for a cold? What are some home remedies for a cold? Is honey and garlic a good idea for treating a cold?
Table of contents
Cold symptoms
When a virus responsible for a cold enters the human body, it begins to colonize the system, primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the nasal and throat areas or multiplying in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. A cold typically develops gradually and often presents with mild symptoms.
Early cold symptoms
In the first days of a cold, the symptoms may not be very noticeable, and the person may only feel tired and weakened. However, within 2-4 days after contact with the virus, the first symptoms of a cold may appear, such as:
- sneezing
- sore throat
- headache
- chills and feeling cold
- general malaise
Over time, additional symptoms may develop, such as:
- scratchy throat and cough - initially dry, followed by a wet cough
- runny nose - starting with clear discharge, later turning thicker and more opaque
- nasal congestion
- hoarseness
- elevated temperature and low-grade fever
- muscle aches
- loss of appetite
Cold complications
If, despite feeling unwell, the body is exposed to stress, intense physical activity, and demanding work, a mild cold can turn into a severe or prolonged infection, leading to unwanted complications.
Untreated colds can lead to symptoms such as:
- wheezing and shortness of breath
- high fever
- chest pain
- enlarged lymph nodes
- dizziness
- cough with pus in the sputum
In addition, complications from a cold can include conditions such as:
- pharyngitis
- otitis media
- sinusitis
- pneumonia
- tonsillitis
How long does a cold last?
The duration of a cold depends on many factors, such as the type of virus causing the infection, the condition of the infected person's immune system, and their overall health and lifestyle. Moreover, the actions taken when the first symptoms appear can also impact the length of the infection.
Typically, a cold lasts from 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms, such as drowsiness and fatigue, may subside after a few days, while others, like nasal dryness or a cough, can last up to 3 weeks.
How to treat a cold quickly?
To get rid of a cold quickly, it’s essential not to ignore the first signs of illness and to take immediate action. Staying home and resting instead of exposing the weakened body to fluctuating temperatures, stress, fatigue, and constant exposure to germs is a good option. It's also crucial to stay well-hydrated and to use home remedies for a cold. How can you treat a cold and recover quickly?
How to treat a sore throat?
To minimize a sore throat, avoid irritants such as smoking and inhaling smoke. It can also help to consume warm, soothing drinks that provide relief, as well as regularly moisturize the throat by using lozenges or gargling with a saline solution. Rest, avoiding stress, and not straining the vocal cords are also essential. Anti-inflammatory medications available over the counter can also be beneficial.
How to treat a cough?
To get rid of a cough, it’s important to first determine whether it's dry or wet. If you have a dry cough, cough suppressants that inhibit the coughing reflex can be helpful. Additionally, ensure proper air humidity, as dry and warm air can worsen unproductive coughing.
For a wet cough, expectorants and medicines that reduce mucus secretion and its viscosity can be useful. Techniques like chest percussion or inhalation therapy may also help.
How to get rid of a runny nose quickly?
To quickly alleviate a runny nose, drink plenty of fluids and warm tea, and consider inhalation therapy. Maintaining proper air humidity and regularly ventilating your home can also help, as can practicing good nasal hygiene. If your nose is dripping, over-the-counter nasal sprays or medications can be effective.
How to get rid of a fever?
To reduce a high fever, staying hydrated and applying cool compresses to your neck and forehead can be beneficial. Cool baths and drinking diaphoretic teas made from linden, raspberry, or elderberry are also effective. For a mild fever or higher body temperature, it’s helpful to take fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Can you recover in one night?
Cold symptoms usually last anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks, so it’s unrealistic to expect a full recovery within 24 hours or one night. However, there are ways to significantly relieve symptoms, making it easier to go about daily activities while infected.
Home remedies for a cold, as well as over-the-counter medications, can be helpful. Supplements for immunity, along with vitamins and minerals, may also play an essential role in speeding up recovery. Rest, proper hydration, and regular fluid intake are also important.
What’s the best remedy for a cold?
The best solution is to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of catching a cold and developing an infection. Taking care of your immune system, dressing appropriately for the weather, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of an infection are all crucial.
If you do catch a cold, it’s advisable to stay home, rest, and stay hydrated. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate symptoms.
Many people wonder if vitamin C is effective for treating a cold. It’s important to emphasize the role of a healthy, balanced diet in fighting infections. A diet rich in essential macro- and micronutrients can positively influence an infected body. Research shows that vitamins, such as vitamin C, can strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of infection. Including fresh vegetables and fruits, like bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, oranges, and kiwis—excellent sources of ascorbic acid—in your daily diet is a good idea.
Supplements for immunity
To reduce the risk of a cold and shorten the duration of an infection, it’s worth considering immunity supplements, especially during the fall and winter. Supplements like:
- OstroVit Pharma Immune Aid 90 Capsules: A comprehensive dietary supplement containing 10 valuable ingredients that may positively impact immune system function.
- OstroVit Immune Aid Powder 100g: A high-quality supplement in powder form with a delicious raspberry flavor, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, D3, zinc, and elderberry extract to support immunity.
- OstroVit Immunity Shot 20 x 100 ml: A portable shot supplement delivering concentrated vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts that support the immune system.
Vitamins for immunity
Many people ask what vitamins are helpful during a cold. Research indicates that vitamin C, along with minerals like zinc and selenium, can be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K also positively impact the immune system.
You can obtain these nutrients from your regular diet, but during periods of increased susceptibility to infections, taking supplements containing these essential compounds is also a good idea.
Some good options include:
- OstroVit Vitamin D3 4000 IU 120 Capsules: A concentrated source of vitamin D3, delivering 4000 IU in each serving.
- OstroVit Pharma Natural Vitamin C from Rosehip 30 Capsules: Contains rosehip extract standardized to 70% vitamin C, available in easy-to-swallow capsules.
- OstroVit Zinc Picolinate 150 Tablets: Contains zinc in a highly bioavailable picolinate form, improving the absorption and effectiveness of the nutrient.
Herbs for a cold
During a cold, over-the-counter medications and fever-reducing drugs are commonly recommended. However, herbs can also play a supporting role in boosting the immune system, exhibiting properties like cough relief, antiviral effects, and fever reduction. Some useful herbal supplements include:
- OstroVit Curcumin + Black Pepper + Ginger VEGE 90 Capsules: A combination of three valuable plant extracts in convenient capsules.
- OstroVit Echinacea Purpurea VEGE 90 Capsules: Contains standardized echinacea extract with potential immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
- OstroVit Odorless Garlic 60 Capsules: An odorless garlic supplement offering the benefits of garlic’s antibacterial and antiviral compounds.
- OstroVit Elderberry VEGE 90 Capsules: Provides elderberry extract, known for its potential to alleviate cold symptoms, acting as a diaphoretic and expectorant.
Home remedies for a cold
When cold symptoms are mild, in addition to using pharmaceutical products and immune-boosting supplements, it’s worth relying on home remedies that can ease daily functioning during an infection and help reduce the risk of pathogens entering the body in the future. How can you treat a cold using natural methods? What are some home remedies for sore throat, cough, and runny nose?
During a cold, honey can be a great remedy for a sore throat, as it can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Honey is also considered effective for dealing with persistent dry coughs. For infections with frequent coughing, flaxseed tea can be beneficial due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its soothing effect on the throat. Ginger, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can also help strengthen the immune system.
Garlic for a cold
Home remedies for colds in both children and adults often highlight the role of garlic in fighting infections. Garlic is commonly used to treat viral upper respiratory infections because research suggests that it contains allicin, which may have antiviral and antibacterial properties, while also acting as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent.
How can garlic be incorporated into your diet when battling a cold? Garlic cloves can be crushed and chopped, then used as a topping for sandwiches. It can also be added to milk or used to prepare a homemade syrup with garlic, water, and lemon juice.
Sore throat remedy
A popular home remedy for a sore throat involves a mixture of milk, garlic, and honey. This blend can help boost immunity, supporting the body’s natural defenses against harmful pathogens. Additionally, it has warming and diaphoretic effects, which can help alleviate the unwanted symptoms of a cold.
Conclusion
A cold is one of the most common infections and typically has a mild course. However, it’s important to consider how to prevent catching a cold and take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of illness. If a viral upper respiratory infection does occur, it's crucial to take immediate action to prevent complications.
Support during illness can come from home remedies as well as immune-boosting supplements. To reduce the risk of getting sick and strengthen your immune system, consider using quality products from the OstroVit brand, which may positively support immune function. Ready to tackle a cold in no time? With OstroVit vitamins, it's possible!
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