If you have a cold or the flu, you will want to avoid smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products for 14 days to see if this helps your symptoms.
If you do smoke, you should stop the day you are feeling the best. Smoking can make your symptoms worse.
One week of not smoking should have you feeling better. If you still have cold or flu symptoms after a week, talk to your doctor.
Cough Drops and Nasal Sprays
Cough drops and nasal sprays can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of a cold or flu.
Cough drops are just a simple solution of sugar, water, and a sweetener. They can be found in the pharmacy or online. Nasal sprays can make you drowsy, so be careful when using them.
If you use both, you may not need to use them every day.
Take Antibiotics
You should take antibiotics if you are sick with a cold or flu. They will help to kill any germs in your body. Some of the common types of antibiotics you can get include:
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Doxycycline
- Quinolones
- Ciprofloxacin
- Minocycline
Take Vitamins
Vitamin C can be beneficial for cold and flu symptoms. It can help treat inflammation.
Take a multivitamin that contains vitamin C. The recommended daily dose is 1 to 2 grams.
Take Herbs
Taking an herbal supplement may help you feel better. Some herbs that can be helpful for cold and flu symptoms include:
- St. John’s wort
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Marshmallow root
Do the Home Remedies Work?
The home remedies for cold and flu symptoms can help, but they aren’t guaranteed to help you. You should always talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Bloody vomit
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
The cold and flu can be a very uncomfortable time. If your cold or flu symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you are worried that you have any of the following:
- Fever above 100.4 F (38 C)
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Fever higher than 103 F
Can I Prevent the Cold and Flu?
There are some things you can do to prevent getting a cold or flu.
Avoid Pollution
It is important to stay away from things that cause pollution. It could be a person in your home who is sick.
A common cold or flu virus can spread easily through the air. It’s best to avoid people who are sick until you feel better.
Use a Humidifier
For people who are cold, it can help to use a humidifier. You can find one online or in your local drug store.
Use a Blanket
If you tend to get colds or the flu, you should invest in a good handkerchief. Some of the best ones are made from 100 percent cotton.
Use a Heat Lamp
Use a heat lamp for overnights if you tend to get colds or the flu.
Use a Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners are great for cleaning the home. The steam can help you feel better.
Use an Appetizer
The cold and flu can be uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s best to eat an appetizer before you go home.
Don’t Overuse It
After you have been sick with a cold or flu, it’s best to take it easy. You should also limit the amount of times you take your cold medicine or flu shot.
What Is the Best Time to Get a Cold or Flu?
During the cold and flu season, you should get sick at least once a week. You should get sick when you are exposed to high amounts of germs.
You can also get a cold or flu at other times of the year. Winter is especially dangerous because people tend to be indoors during the cold months.
If you have a cold or flu, you should try to keep the severity low. You can protect yourself from getting sick by following these tips:
- Stay home if you have a cold or flu.
- Wash your hands often.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.
- Don’t share food or drinks with other people.
- Don’t share personal care products with other people.
- Don’t go to work if you have a cold and flu.
You should also get immunized against the common cold or flu. This can help decrease the chances of getting the disease.
Is it Safe to Take Cold and Flu Medicine?
Cold and flu medicines are safe to take. They are not toxic, and they don’t cause side effects.
If you take a lot of cold and flu medicine, it can be hard for you to remember to take it. It may also become hard for you to remember to take your pills because you are sick.
Taking extra cold and flu medicine can lead to adverse side effects. These can include:
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Ringing in the ears
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
Take the Cold and Flu Medicine as Prescribed
If you take cold and flu medicine, it should be for the duration of the symptoms. For example, if you have a cold, it should be taken for 7 days.
There are different types of cold and flu medicines. You should take each type as prescribed by your doctor. If you are not sure which type of medicine you should take, talk to your doctor.
You can also take the medicine if you are not sure if you have the common cold or flu. Cold and flu medicines are available over the counter.
Take Care of Yourself
If you get a cold or the flu, you should take care of yourself to help you feel better. You should also take care of your family and friends if you tend to get colds or the flu.
You should wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
You should also avoid smoking or using other drugs that can cause cold and flu symptoms.
Take Care of the Family
Take care of your elderly relatives. They may become sick at the same time as you. This can cause a deadly combination of cold and flu symptoms.
Use a humidifier if you tend to get a cold or the flu. You can also use a heat lamp.
Finally
The common cold and flu can be uncomfortable.
The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay home and not to rub your eyes, nose, mouth, and vagina.
If you have cold symptoms, you should stay home and follow the tips from this article. You should also get a flu or chickenpox shot as soon as possible.
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