Gina McKenzie is a family nurse practitioner at The Vancouver Clinic. She specializes in serving adults 18 years and older.
Sometimes all your efforts to stay healthy during cold season aren’t enough, and you still get sick. When that happens, recovery is often a combination of time and binge-watching Netflix while you rest.
However, there are several simple remedies that can ease your symptoms — many of which are already in your medicine cabinet or cupboard.
In addition, some of the most soothing cold remedies are the ones out of your own kitchen.
Pain relievers
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve sore-throat, headache and sinus pain. If you are giving pain relievers to children, make sure to use medications designed for infants and children and to use the correct dose. Use only acetaminophen for children under six months. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure.
Cold medications
Over-the-counter cough syrups and decongestants can keep you from hacking and sneezing so you can get the rest you need. However, while these medications are good for adults, they aren’t recommended for children under six years old.
Supplements
The scientific research community is still unclear if Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc can reduce the duration of a cold, or its severity. If you think these supplements work for you, and you’ve checked with your doctor, then feel free to use them. However, they shouldn’t be given to children.
Saline solutions
Saltwater rinses, sprays and drops can help relieve congestion. Rinses and sprays are a great, non-medicated solution for adults. Drops are a gentle option for infants and children.
Honey
For adults and children over one year old, a spoonful of honey can help calm a cough. Plus, it tastes great.
Honey-lemon water
For a soothing, hydrating drink, combine thinly sliced lemons, honey and hot water. Start sipping.
Chicken soup
Heat from the soup helps clear clogged nostrils, the liquid helps keep you hydrated, and the chicken and vegetables provide the energy your body needs to fight infections.
Saltwater gargle
Gargling with ½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in half a cup of warm water helps pull fluid from swollen membranes, fighting inflammation and providing relief.
In addition to getting lots of rest, it’s important to get plenty to drink. Water, broth, juice and herbal teas are good options. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can be dehydrating.
In most cases, you’ll start feeling better in about a week. If your cold has been hanging on for more than 10 to 14 days and you aren’t getting any better, then it’s time to see a doctor.
Colds can occasionally progress into strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis or a sinus infection. Children might have signs of an acute ear infection. While antibiotics can’t help a regular cold, if it turns into a bacterial infection you might need them.
A fever can also be a sign that you need to visit the doctor. Adults who have a fever of 101.3 degrees or greater for five or more days should see their doctor. If a child with a fever seems very sick — especially if they are having trouble breathing, experiencing severe pain, or have had a fever for more than three days — they need to see a doctor. A feverish newborn under three months old should always be evaluated by a doctor. A feverish baby under one month old should be seen in the emergency room.
