Tips to kick the common cold

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The common cold is appropriately named. According to the American Lung Association, adults get an average of two to four colds per year while children typically get between six and eight colds annually. Colds indeed seem an inevitable part of life, and that may be even more so during winter.

Though colds can strike at any time, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that the increased incidence rates of colds during cold seasons like fall and winter may be attributable to the increased amount of time people spend indoors. Extra time indoors means individuals spend more time in tight quarters with other people, which is notable because colds are highly contagious.

There might not be a way to avoid colds this winter, but Johns Hopkins notes there are some strategies that can help treat a cold and potentially lessen its severity.

•Hydrate. A concerted effort to stay hydrated can help your body fight the cold and potentially make you feel better by easing congestion. When a cold strikes, make sure you drink plenty of the right fluids, which include water, decaffeinated tea with lemon, and broth. Caffeine can cause dehydration, so avoid coffee and caffeinated teas and sodas. Throat-soothing warm liquids like tea and broth can serve dual functions for those whose colds include a sore or dry throat.

•Gargle with salt water. Though it may seem like an old wives’ tale, gargling with salt water can effectively alleviate the pain and swelling of a sore throat. Johns Hopkins recommends a saltwater gargle with about one teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water.

•Utilize a humidifier. Johns Hopkins notes that cold hair holds less moisture than dry air. Dry air can worsen symptoms associated with sore throat, so a humidifier can be used to make indoor air more moist and therefore more soothing to a sore throat. Johns Hopkins also reports that dry nostrils are more vulnerable to viruses, so employing a humidifier in winter may help your body more effectively fend off cold viruses.

•Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps to strengthen the body’s immune system, making it more effective at fighting off and overcoming the cold virus. Johns Hopkins recommends adults get between eight and 10 hours of sleep when they come down with a cold.

•Avoid unproven “treatments.” Some cold treatment techniques are ineffective at combatting cold viruses. Johns Hopkins notes that antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viruses. In addition, there is little evidence suggesting zinc and vitamin C have any impact on cold viruses.

Colds may be inevitable, but knowing what to do when a cold strikes may help reduce the severity and length of the common cold.