Cold Self-Care Guide for On-The-Go-Hokies!
Use Cold Self-Care Techniques and Information
to help you manage your cold symptoms. Seek an appointment with a healthcare provider if you do not think your symptoms are gradually improving within 7 days and/or you experience other symptoms.
Tips For Cold Symptom Relief
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Over-the-counter medication form for the Schiffert Health Center Pharmacy (No appointment necessary!)
- At home self-care
| At Home Self-Care | |
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GARGLE with salt water to help soothe a sore throat. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of plain salt in a glass of very warm water.
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Increase FLUIDS such as water, juice, hot tea, soups, etc. Hot liquids can help relieve nasal congestion & soothe a sore throat.
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WASH your hands often
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EAT regular, well-balanced meals
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STAY HOME and get more REST. SLEEP at least 7-9 hours per night
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If you have trouble sleeping because of stuffy nose or nasal drainage, use extra pillows to PROP yourself up at a 45° angle.
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Use soothing music, peaceful surroundings, rest, and/or a fun book to relax and combat pain.
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AVOID smoke & alcohol. They can aggravate and prolong symptoms.
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Take HOT steamy SHOWERS — helps suppress coughs and loosen congestion.
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Use HUMIDIFIER or VAPORIZER to keep air moist and sooth irritated nasal and throat passages.
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Use a MENTHOLATED OINTMENT around your nose. This will help open breathing passages and soothe irritated skin.
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| For more information about cold treatment visit... | |
| Cold and Flu Questions and Answers | |
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Can Chicken Soup or Hot Tea Clear my Cold Symptoms? |
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Chicken soup & other warm beverages can help clear nasal clog, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed passages of your nose and throat. There is no proof that these foods/beverages will help drive the virus from your body. |
How effective are natural remedies such as zinc, echinacea, & vitamin C? |
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In some individuals, natural remedies and preventive measures seem to help. Americans spend billions on supplements each year. While some studies have shown them to be effective for reducing the length or severity of the cold and flu, the evidence remains inconclusive because it is difficult to measure how sick the person would have been without the treatment. The bottom line is that although these supplements appear to be safe and they may do some good, we just don’t know. Researchers have not proved that these things can prevent a cold or the flu, reduce symptoms, or rid a body of a virus. |
What about anti-viral medications? |
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In most healthy people, influenza or “FLU” will go away in about 10 days. There are 2 types of anti-viral medications that can be prescribed for the Flu but they only decrease severity and duration of symptoms by 1 or 2 days, at the most. They are not effective against Cold viruses. Both anti-viral medications have some common side effects. Both must be started within 24-48 hours of first symptoms of the Flu. One drug, Amantadine, is only effective for Influenza A virus. The other drug, Tamiflu, is expensive but works against Influenza A and B virus. If you think you have the FLU, call to make an appointment with your healthcare provider within 24 hours of experiencing FLU symptoms. Since these drugs have side effects and not everyone can take them, your healthcare provider will need to evaluate you before prescribing one of these medications. |
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