Tips on recovery from flu and cold

October 29th, 2015

Knowing how viruses spread, it is understandable that the best way to prevent catching the flu or a cold is good hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Use a tissue if you are sneezing or coughing, and then discard the used tissue immediately
Clean hard surfaces with a disinfectant
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers

There are also lifestyle changes that can help you recover quickly from the flu or a cold:

Drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses per day). Try drinking hot fluids to help with nasal and chest congestion.
Humidify the air using a vaporizer (either cool mist or warm mist works). This will help relieve a sore throat or dry cough.
Get enough rest. Fatigue can increase the duration of symptoms. Staying in bed will also avoid spreading the infection to others.
Use saline drops or spray to loosen nasal congestion.
Use non-medicated hard lozenges or candy to soothe a sore throat or cough.
Gargle with salt water to relieve a dry throat.
Stop or reduce smoking. People who smoke tend to get colds more often. Their colds also last longer and they cough more frequently.