7 Cold and Flu Remedies

7 Cold and Flu Remedies

Staff Writer |Nov 16, 2021

Cold and Flu Remedies to Help Symptoms

Feeling congested when you have a cold or the flu can make you feel miserable. Between the body aches, coughing and sneezing, you might not feel like yourself for a week or so.

When it comes to the common cold and the flu, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is there is no cure. The good news is most people feel better within a week or two. In the meantime, there are several things you can do that may help you feel better.

Consider the following cold and flu remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.

Antiviral Medication

Prescription antiviral medication is available to treat the flu. It is not prescribed for a cold. Common medications include Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral medications do not cure the flu, but they may help you get over the flu faster, and symptoms may be milder.

The drugs work by preventing the flu virus from continuing to multiple. Antiviral flu medications must be taken within the first 48 hours of developing flu symptoms to be effective.

Antiviral flu medications can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and a headache. Although they may be prescribed to anyone, antiviral drugs might be needed most for people that are at high risk of developing complications, such as the elderly or people with lung disease.

Zinc

Zinc lozenges may help decrease the duration of a cold. Although research is mixed on their effectiveness, the theory is it might help prevent the rhinovirus from multiplying.

One study published in the journal JRSM involved seven clinical studies with 575 participants. The study indicated that participants who took 75 milligrams of zinc daily decreased the duration of their cold symptoms by 33%.

Zinc is available as a lozenge, syrup or tablet. It can have side effects, such as nausea and stomach pains. As with any supplement, talk with your doctor before taking zinc.

Decongestants

Decongestants help reduce common nasal stuffiness, which is typical with a cold and can also occur with the flu. Some decongestants are combined with other medications, such as a pain reliever or an antihistamine.

Side effects can include increased heart rate, nervousness and problems sleeping. Decongestants are typically not recommended for people who have heart problems, uncontrolled hypertension or are pregnant.

Honey

Honey is thought to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which might help fight viruses and bacteria. Honey may also be soothing for a sore throat and might help reduce coughing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a few studies indicate honey was as effective at suppressing a cough as some over-the-counter cough medications. Take a teaspoon of honey or add it to warm tea to soothe coughing or a sore throat.

However, do not give honey to children under the age of one. It’s possible for honey to contain botulism spores. Adults and older kids who ingest botulism spores have a developed immune system that prevents them from getting sick. But an infant’s immune system is not as mature, and they are at a higher risk of contracting botulism after ingesting spores.

Gargling with Salt Water

Gargling with salt water may decrease a sore throat, which is a typical cold and flu symptom. Salt water may reduce inflammation and help loosen mucus from the throat. Plus, there are virtually no side effects of gargling with salt water. So even if it does not provide a lot of relief, it won’t hurt.

To do a salt water gargle, dissolve about a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle three or four times a day.

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation involves rinsing out the nasal passages to remove mucus. It can help decrease congestion and may make it easier to breathe.

Nasal irrigation is done using a neti pot, bulb syringe or a squeeze bottle. It should only be performed using saline. Over the counter, premixed packets of saline are available at most drug stores. Do not use tap water since it can introduce bacteria into the nasal cavity and lead to a serious infection.

To do nasal irrigation, tilt your head to one side while leaning over a sink. Use the neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle to pour the saline into the nostril. Let the solution pour out of the other side of the nose. Repeat on the opposite side.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce fever, aches and pains that may occur with the flu or a cold. Acetaminophen is considered an analgesic, which is a pain reliever.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available over the counter and also larger dosages by prescription. Both types of medication can have side effects, including nausea, stomach pain and headaches.

Combining some of the remedies above may work best to get the most relief from a cold or the flu. But use caution when taking medications. Even over-the-counter medications may be contraindicated for certain people depending on their medical history.

In most cases, cold or flu symptoms will gradually get better over a week or two. If symptoms persist longer or become severe, it’s best to see a doctor to prevent complications.

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