Things to do when you have a cold

What should you do when you have a cold? Here are some expert tips for getting rid of a cold without medicine.

Don't rush to the doctor

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat your cold, which will fight bacterial infections. But by doing so, you are putting chemicals in your body that can cause damage, says Jeffrey Linder, MD, an internist at Boston Women's Hospital. Side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, rashes, and increased resistance.

Do not blow both noses at the same time

Blowing your nose can push the virus further into your sinuses, says infectious disease specialist William Schaffner. Instead, close one nostril with your finger, gently blow one nostril, then switch to the other. This will also help keep your nose from becoming inflamed.

Using a glass of hot water and letting the steam enter your nostrils can help warm your respiratory system. You can add a pinch of salt to the warm water, says family physician and alternative medicine researcher Bruce Barrett. Do this twice a day.

Eat chicken soup

First and foremost, drink hot chicken soup to help hydrate, says Evangeline Lausier, MD, of Duke Medicine. Additionally, chicken and chicken broth are rich in the amino acid carnosine, which reduces inflammation and inhibits the flu virus.

Add fresh herbs and power-packed spices to your chicken soup. Garlic can help your body break up mucus, while ginger can ease nausea if you have the flu, says Lausier.

Drink warm water

When you’re sick, you sweat more because the virus raises your body temperature and you lose fluids through a runny nose or sneezing. But drinks can be more effective if served hot. Herbal teas or hot water with lemon or ginger can soothe irritated mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and intestines.

Sleep

Fighting the virus requires the body to metabolize energy. According to doctors, every extra hour of sleep will help you recover faster./.

According to Thanh Nien