Cough or Cold, What to Take

Cough or Cold, What to Take

Non-medication treatment for your cough or cold

• Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

• Try to breathe moist air. Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower.

• Consume warm fluids (soup or tea) to provide relief for a stuffy nose and to loosen phlegm.

• For nasal stuffiness, try saline nasal spray or a Neti Pot.

• For sore throat pain relief: suck on throat lozenges, hard candy or popsicles; gargle with warm salt water (1/4 tsp. salt per 8 oz. of water); and eat soft, bland foods.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. If you cannot, ensure you are getting enough nutrients by taking a daily multivitamin.

• Avoid dairy products, as they can thicken phlegm.

• Avoid alcohol, as it impairs your body’s immune system.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• High fever

• Ear pain

• Sinus-type headache

• Unusually severe cold symptoms

• Cough that gets worse while other cold symptoms improve

• Flare up of any chronic lung problem, such as asthma