The Unwelcome Commoner -
Tips and Remedies for the Common Cold

As a result, many therapies have been used to combat its signature cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat, and runny nose. While symptoms last an average of 7 - 10 days, the list of remedies includes everything from wives tales to the chicken soup that grandma makes. At the end of the day, can anything be done to prevent a cold altogether? Perhaps not; but when your chicken soup flies the coop, leaving you with a stuffy nose, tissue-clad, and miserable, a few things will help reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE
From the start, prevention or avoidance of the common cold can be difficult. As an integral member of society, one must work, shop, and socially interact with those who are infected with the viruses that cause colds (typically the rhinovirus and coronavirus). In fact, refusing to shake someone's hand or running for cover at the slightest inkling of an impending sneeze is considered impolite or downright rude. Nevertheless, you reduce the probability of contracting a cold when you wash your hands regularly, avoid prolonged interaction with someone who has a cold, politely request that others exercise courtesy when coughing or sneezing, and refrain from sharing cups or utensils whenever possible. In addition, it only takes a few minutes to keep the countertop surfaces at home and at work clean. Although you can never completely eradicate an airborne virus, these commonsense habits go a long way towards prevention.

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On the other hand, if you have already experienced the onset of a cold, the following home remedies and medicinal/alternative therapies will provide some measure of relief.

HOME REMEDIES

• Hydration
  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids. This will help replace fluids that are lost in the event of a fever, or during the production of mucus. Conversely, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages as they can worsen the effects of dehydration.
• Chicken Soup
  Just as you'd suspected, chicken soup has soothing and healing properties after all! Studies show that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory by reducing the movement/hyperactivity of neutrophils (immune system cells) that respond to inflammation in the body during infection. It also temporarily increases the speed that mucus travels through the nose, which effectively shortens the exposure time of the nasal lining to the cold virus.
• Hot Steam
  Inhale steam during a hot shower or bath, or utilize an air humidifier. This will help break up the mucus in your nasal passage and lungs, which will relieve the feelings of stuffiness and congestion.
• Saline Mouthwash and Nasal Drops
  Gargle with a saline mouthwash to soothe a sore throat and use saline nasal drops to relieve nasal/sinus congestion.

MEDICINAL AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

• Sore Throat/Coughing
  Sore throats and annoying coughs can be soothed with traditional cough syrups or with herbs such as Marshmallow (not to be confused with the white fluffy kind), Mullein, Osha Root, and Licorice root extract.
• Aches and Pains
  Aches and pains are typically treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, warm baths, and plenty of rest.
• Vitamin C and Zinc Lozenges
  Although taking Vitamin C or Zinc lozenges will not prevent the onset of a cold, research has shown that these may reduce the duration of a cold if taken shortly after symptoms first appear.
• Garlic Cloves
  Consuming garlic cloves is not for the social butterfly, but is believed to help by reducing fever, removing toxins from the body, and lessening the effects of cold symptoms overall.
• Immune System Enhancers
  Immune system enhancers such as Echinacea and Elderberry extract may also ward off the effects of the common cold.

Utilizing any number of these therapies can help lower your susceptibility to the common cold or reduce the duration of symptoms you experience. Resigned to the fact that contraction of this unwelcome commoner is inevitable, do your part when it comes to the common cold. Stay home when you have a cold to avoid infecting others, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow whenever you are without tissue, and consult your medical professional if your symptoms last longer than a few days. The common cold - don't pass it on!

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