Most of us have suffered from a common cold at some point in our lives. It’s that seemingly common and innocuous cold virus that wreaks havoc on our health in terms of productivity and physical discomfort.
Though most people get over their colds quickly, for those that it lingers, the discomfort can be crippling. Some even say that it’s a case of the ‘winter blues’.
We asked doctors to share their top tips on how to treat and protect against a cold weather blues and also discussed the most recent findings on cold viruses and their symptoms.
Take It Easy
If you do end up with a cold, it’s probably going to be quite mild. Having run-of-the-mill, everyday colds, you’ll probably feel better equipped to tackle this ‘mini-virus’ than those that suffer from more serious illnesses.
If you do get a nasty cold, it’s important not to push yourself too hard. Taking it easy and resting up is exactly what you need. If you feel like you’re struggling even though you’re trying to be diligent, it’s probably best to back off and let your body recover. There are plenty of tasks that you can carry out without having to be overly hasty.
Eat To Nourish Your Body
When we’re sick, it’s natural to want to take care of ourselves by limiting our food intake. However, this only puts your body in a catabolic state. When your body is in a state of catabolism, it’s in the process of breaking down its own tissues in order to provide the materials needed for cell regeneration. This is why it’s extremely important to eat when you’re sick.
Eating sufficient calories is important to maintain your body’s health. When you don’t eat enough calories, it puts your body in the situation of starvation. Starvation causes your body to undergo extreme changes that may not be for the best. For example, a lack of calories can lead to your body using up its store of vitamins and minerals in order to sustain life. These are the substances that your body needs in order to stay healthy. In order to avoid this, make sure that you consume plenty of food when you’re sick. If you feel like you’re wasting away, even if it’s just from lack of nutrition, speak to your doctor about it. They will be able to put your mind at rest and advise you on the right food for you to consume.
Vary Your Feeding Routine
If you maintain a healthy diet and get enough calories, you don’t need to worry about your body’s store of vitamins and minerals running low. As long as you get the right nutrition, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, it’s not good to eat the same thing every day. This will soon become boring and uninspiring and could even cause you to suffer from malnutrition.
By regularly varying the food that you eat, you’re ensuring that your body has always got something new to work with. This keeps things interesting and boosts your body’s chances of thriving.
Consult A Physician
If you’re not sure what a cold is or how to treat it, you can always ask your doctor for help. Most doctors will be more than happy to provide you with the help that you need in order to feel better. They may even be able to prescribe you with medications that can help you overcome your cold. The most common cold medicines that physicians may prescribe you include antihistamines and decongestants. By regularly taking these medication, you may find that your cold symptoms reduce or disappear. Speak to your physician about which medications may be suitable for you and how often you should be taking them.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands can help reduce the symptoms of a cold. When you wash your hands, you’re removing dirt and germs from them. It’s also a good idea to clean the area around the nose with a tissue or swap the tissue regularly. Remember to wash your hands after coughing and sneezing. If you maintain a clean environment around your nose and clean hands, it may reduce the germs that you’re contracting from others. If you feel like you’ve contracted a cold a few times, it may be a good idea to see a physician. They will be able to test for any allergies that you may have and advise you on whether there’s any medication that could help you overcome your cold.
As you can see, there are numerous ways that you can treat your cold effectively. Make sure to follow the guidelines outlined here and you’ll soon find that you’re enjoying life more than ever before. Keep away from those that you think are sick and help those that are suffering. You may be able to reduce the symptoms of a cold with the right nutrition and rest, but only if you actually want to. If you’re struggling with a cold and don’t feel that you can’t cope, it may be best to seek medical help. Remember to take it easy and eat to recover. Wash your hands regularly and make sure to follow all of the instructions presented by your doctor. If you do need medical assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Remember that your doctor is there to help you and will put your needs first. It’s not always easy to diagnose a cold; make sure that you’re not suffering from something more serious.