Pharmacist's advice for recovering from a bad cold: 6 helpful tips

It's once again the time of the year.

October 13th 2024.

Pharmacist's advice for recovering from a bad cold: 6 helpful tips
Having a cold is never a fun experience. It may not be the most serious illness, but it can definitely leave us feeling pretty miserable. Being all stuffed up and congested is the worst! We all have different immune systems, so the recovery process can vary from person to person. Some may bounce back quickly, while others may take a bit longer to feel like themselves again.

It seems like everyone is dealing with these stubborn colds lately, and if you're one of them, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the recovery process. Here are some helpful tips that may make you feel a little better. First and foremost, being congested is no fun at all. Understanding what exactly a cold is can help us better deal with the symptoms.

A cold is a common viral infection that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and upper airways. Most colds will go away on their own within a week or two, so there's typically no need to see a doctor. However, if you have a particularly bad cold, you may experience symptoms such as a sore throat, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and a cough. Less commonly, a high temperature, headache, earache, muscle pains, and a loss of taste and smell may also occur. These symptoms usually appear a few days after being infected and can be at their worst during the first two to three days before gradually improving.

So, what can we do to help our bodies fight off a cold? Well, there are a few things we can do to support our recovery. First, it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. When we have a cold, we tend to lose fluids through sweating and having a runny nose. It's crucial to replace these lost fluids to prevent dehydration, which can hinder our recovery. Eating a healthy and varied diet, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, can also help support our immune system. It's normal to experience a loss of appetite when we're sick, so don't force yourself to eat if you're not feeling hungry.

Getting some fresh air and light exercise can also be beneficial, but make sure not to overdo it. It's essential to listen to our bodies and be kind to ourselves. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes is also crucial as they can make us feel even more rundown when we're already not feeling well. Inhaling steam from a warm shower or a bowl of water can help clear our nasal passages and loosen any mucus.

If you're looking for some medicine to help ease your cold symptoms, it's best to consult with your local pharmacist. They can recommend products that contain ingredients such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve aches, pains, and high temperatures. Just make sure not to take more than one paracetamol-containing product at a time. Remember to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues properly to avoid spreading the infection. If your cold persists for more than three weeks, suddenly worsens, or you develop breathing difficulties or complications, it's best to see a doctor.

Do you have any tips or remedies for overcoming a cold? We would love to hear your experiences and suggestions in the comments below. Let's all work together to stay healthy and beat those pesky colds!

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