Adults get around two to three colds a year, which means many of us are, right now, battling streaming eyes, a runny nose and sore throat. Here’s how to combat symptoms quickly
WORDS: MICHELE O’CONNOR
Drink!
Fluid intake is vital for “flushing” out the cold, thinning mucus, breaking down congestion, lubricating your throat and keeping the headaches and fatigue associated with dehydration at bay. Hot drinks are particularly beneficial, adds Dr Deborah Lee, GP at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk).
A warm, low-sugar, blackcurrant drink was found to be a particularly effective strategy for soothing the sore throats and coughs that accompany a cold, found a trial by Professor Ron Eccles, founder of Cardiff University’s former Common Cold Centre.
“Those drinking hot beverages reported more subjective improvements in symptoms, compared to those consuming room temperature drinks,” Dr Lee says.
Add Honey
A recent Oxford review found evidence that honey can help to reduce the severity of coughing when compared to other treatments, and could even help to reduce the length of symptoms by a day or two. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and coats your throat, helping to soothe pain.
Wrap Up And Go For A Walk
You may not feel like it, but getting some fresh air and exercise is a good idea, say experts. Researchers at The Mayo Clinic found exercising may temporarily ease your bunged up nose by opening up nasal passages.
Activity gets the white blood cells moving around the body, adds Professor Eccles. However, avoid intense exercise as there’s evidence this can lower immunity and hamper recovery. If you’re feeling feverish, don’t exercise at all.
Take A Warm Bath Or Shower
Not only will it warm you up, but the steam also clears bunged up sinuses. Hot water also increases blood flow, which relaxes and soothes your muscles – easing any aches and pains.
Alternatively, fill a bowl full of hot water and breathe in the steam to get the same benefits, or apply a warm, wet flannel to the face to ease congestion.
Pop A Sunshine Supplement
“People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to get colds,” says Dr Lee. “Vitamin D is needed for T cell (white blood cell) development and function,
