A cold- is a virus. You can "catch" them even when it is not winter, it does not need to be cold outside.
Symptoms- Can vary from person to person and cold to cold, but usually include cough (unproductive), rhinorrhea (runny nose!), "stuffy nose", general malaise (feeling like crap), sore/scratchy throat, and sneezing. ACHOO!
Fever- unless you are a young child with a new cold, a fever is not common. A fever may indicate that you have a bacterial infection or an influenza virus, and not a cold.
Influenza virus- similar symptoms to a cold, except with fever and muscle pain. Symptoms often abrupt and intense.
Antibiotics- can't do a thing for ya if you have a virus! Only works with bacterial infections. If you take antibiotics for a virus not only will it not get rid of the virus, it also puts you at risk for the antibiotics not being effective when you really do need to use them.
Dairy products- according to the nurse I talked with on Health Link this one time, there is no evidence showing that dairy products increase mucus production when sick with a cold.
Sugar- they couldn't tell me if taking sugar out of a diet would be beneficial or not. I find it helps though.. it could just be in my head though.
Fluids- important to have when sick with a cold/flu! Drink lots of water! Some hot water with lemon and honey feels nice on the throat too, as does soup! (I had a fantastic soup today, just boil onion carrot tomato and potato in a big pot - credit to my brother's friend for making this- I might add cabbage next time)
REMEDIES- There is no real "cure" for the cold, and usually they should go away within a week or two. I can't tell you what for sure works, but I know every person has their routine when they have a cold. Me? I really like soup, orange juice, lemon water, and garlic. They just make me feel good. Also as mentioned before, I feel like my throat hurts less when I try and cut back on the sugar.
MEDS- analgesics- pain killers, can be used for relief of pain (your pharmacist can help you here, and please follow instructions on medication box) and decongestants can help if you are real stuffed up. (again, check out your local pharmacy, those guys are super helpful.)
Complications- If you have asthma or COPD a cold can cause an exacerbation (makes things worse than usual). You shouldn't need to see a doctor or the EMERGENCY room for your normal every day cold. If you can't breathe, like legitimately can't breath (I'm talking you aren't doing anything else cause you are focusing on getting air in and out) you should seek medical attention. If you have a fever, as mentioned before, you might not have a cold! Or you have a cold and a bacterial infection to boot. Your doctor can help you figure out what is going on and provide the necessary treatment.
HEALTH LINK- an awesome tool to use if you are unsure whether you should wait things out, see your doctor, or get yourself to a hospital.
Sleep- Always good to get adequate rest, your body needs it to fight off all the things the world throws at it on a daily basis. Good night!
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