How to Treat Yourself

1. Get Rest and Sleep

Rest is important when you’re fighting a cold. Your immune system can be a powerful tool to attack the viruses that cause colds, but when you are tired or stressed, your body releases hormones that suppress the immune system and can make it less effective. One study found that people who didn’t get at least seven hours of sleep each night were almost three times more likely to catch the common cold than their well-rested peers.

2. Keep Drinking Fluids

Drink plenty of clear liquids like water, tea, and juice when you have a cold. Watch to see if your urine is more clear or pale yellow, which suggests that you’re hydrated properly. Unless you have high blood pressure, add a bit of salt to your food, eat a salty snack, or eat foods that are high in potassium like bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

3. Try Zinc

A review of studies on zinc supplements used to treat the common cold shows that results have been inconsistent. It is possible that zinc, taken as a lozenge or syrup, may slightly shorten a cold, though it won’t make it less severe or necessarily relieve symptoms.

4. Soothe Your Throat

Various OTC throat sprays and lozenges can soothe a sore throat. Active ingredients may include pain relievers, menthol or eucalyptus oil, and anesthetics that can numb the throat or have an anti-inflammatory effect. Some contain antiseptics intended to kill germs. Others may have cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan.

5. Gargle with Warm Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water can help a sore throat. Unmedicated hard candy can help to lubricate the throat, which can ease pain, but small candies and throat lozenges are not recommended for children as they can be a choking hazard.

6. Relieve a Cough

Honey is a natural remedy for a cough for adults and children over age 12 months. You can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey by mouth, or mix it into warm water or tea. Honey should not be used for babies under age 1 as there is a risk of infant botulism.

How Long Does Common Cold Self-Care Take to Work?

How long does it take for a cold to go away? In general, cold symptoms peak in two to three days and then resolve over the next few days. There is no proven way to make your cold go away in 24 hours to two days. Self-care can lessen your symptoms during recovery so that you feel better, but it will not cure the cold.

When Common Cold Self-Care Is Not Working

If your cold doesn’t improve after 10 days, you have a fever for more than four days, your symptoms are severe, or your symptoms improve but suddenly get worse, contact a healthcare provider. Colds, even though they are caused by viruses, can lead to bacterial infections that may need to be treated with antibiotics. Or, having a cold may worsen an existing medical condition.

Summary

Common colds are caused by viruses, and few people escape having them now and again. Most colds resolve on their own, but you can relieve symptoms at home by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Certain types of OTC medications can be helpful, including pain and fever reducers, cough medications, and antihistamines. Follow the directions on accompanying medications carefully. If your symptoms worsen suddenly or last for more than a few weeks, contact a healthcare provider.