Most adults get three colds a year, and while there is no cure for the common cold virus, there are things you can do to feel better, while your body fights off the virus. Cold symptoms develop over several days and can include fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and headaches. While taking common cold medicines will not cure the cold, they do ease the symptoms. Along with taking cold medicines some other things you can do that will ease the symptoms and help you to feel better are:

• Get plenty of rest, especially while you have a fever. Rest helps your body fight infection.
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make cold symptoms worse.
• Drink plenty of water, this helps with congestion and preventing dehydration.
• Drink plenty of juices such as orange or grape with vitamin C, or pure pineapple, which along with vitamin C has Bromelain, which is an enzyme that not only breaks up congestion, but is also a natural infection fighter.
• Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore throat.
• Avoid alcohol, soda and beverages with caffeine which are dehydrating
• Use saline (salt-water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and moisten the tender skin in your nose.
• Blow your nose often, avoid sniffing, which can lead to ear infections
• Drinking hot liquids such as hot tea with honey which soothes the throat and nose
• Steamy showers help moisturize your nasal passages and relives congestion
• Use mentholated or eucalyptus salve under your nose, this helps with breathing and with keeping your nose from getting sore
• Sleep on extra pillows

Remember, serious conditions can masquerade as the common cold and a mild infection can evolve into something more serious. If you have severe symptoms or are feeling worse with each passing day, see a doctor.

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