Cold Care

Seek Professional Advice

• If symptoms have existed for more than 10 days
• If you have a fever over 100 degrees for more than 3 days.
• If green mucus is present in the nose, accompanied by sinus headache, pain or tenderness around the eyes.
• If you have painful swollen glands
• If ear pain is present
• If you have a sore throat for more than 3 days.
• If you have wheezing, shortness of breath or chest pain.
• If you have swollen tonsils or white patches on your tonsils.

General Cold Care Tips

# Get at least 8 hours of rest; the body has an increased need for rest when a cold is present. # Force fluids. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. This will help decrease your fever. # Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. # Do not smoke while you have symptoms. # Take a long hot shower, or get a vaporizer to relieve congestion. # Gargle with warm water and salt to relieve a sore throat. # Use over-the-counter medications wisely. Read the label of each package. Take only the recommended dosage and avoid combining drugs when possible. Be aware of any allergies that you might have. Check out our section on Cold Medications.

How Can I Prevent Colds?

At present, there are no cures or specific preventive measures for the common cold. It is a self-limiting condition which means that it WILL go away whether you treat it or not. Treatment is usually to alleviate symptoms, not the cold itself. Colds are caused by many different viruses so it is impossible to avoid them all, but try the following to reduce your chances of getting a cold.

• Avoid people with cold symptoms.
• Wash your hands well and often.
• Get regular rest.
• Eat nutritionally balanced meals three times a day.

For more information, check the Common Cold web site.