What are the treatments for the common cold?
Since there is no cure for the common cold, treatment has two goals: to make you feel better and to help you fight off the virus. Lots of rest is the key treating a cold. You may find you need 12 hours of sleep each night, so don’t set that alarm. You’ll be most comfortable in a warm, humid environment. It’s also important to drink lots of water. This makes mucus flow more freely and helps with congestion. No specific treatment exists for the virus that is causing your cold, but in treating your symptoms you can find relief. For aches and pains accompanied by a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, give Tylenol rather than aspirin to avoid the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition that occurs in children with viral illnesses, especially if they have taken aspirin. If your throat is sore, gargle as often as you like with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water). Think twice before using heavily advertised over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which likely contain dr
