I have lost count of the number of blog posts that I’ve read telling me how I should be preventing the common cold. However, the clue is in the title of the ailment. It’s pretty common. While not hugely debilitating, a cold can be a nuisance, and stop me from getting on with my day. My head might feel like it is trapped in a vice, my nose might be dripping like a tap and I may feel more congested than the M1 at rush hour. There is very little I could have done to prevent my virus, especially if the whole family is taking turns on passing the germs around. Now’s the time to try and limit its impact and manage the symptoms.
Medicine
The first port of call for a cold shouldn’t be the doctor’s surgery. I wouldn’t dream of passing on my lurgy to every frail old person waiting to see a medical professional. However, the pharmacist can take it! If I’m feeling particularly rough and the old Lemsip isn’t doing the trick, the pharmacy is the perfect place to talk through your symptoms. These professionals see an obscene amount of people each year with colds. They also know the exact medicine to suggest depending on your symptoms. If you have a raging headache with your virus, Night Nurse Liquid might be suggested. For those of us who suffer from a cactus like sore through, honey, lemon, and hot water can beat any cough syrup. Ask a professional and get their expertise to help you manage your symptoms better.
Rest
While this is much easier said than done especially if you have a rabble of young banshees to clothe and feed, you must try to get some rest. Sleep is the best thing to do when feeling bunged up. Head to bed and get some shut eye. This may mean taking a day or two off work. In the long run your boss will thank you as you won’t have passed on your germs onto Pam, Janice, and Bob. Try to keep things a little calmer at home, don’t offer to do the school run and send the kids to a friend’s house for dinner.
Eat Well
When the lurgy strikes, it’s easy to be forgetful and neglect our health. All too often I’m dehydrated because I am lying on the sofa under a duvet and I can’t be bothered to get up. A cold can sap your appetite. But it’s vital that you feed it to try and fight it. While it may sound like an old wives tale, chicken soup is perfect. It’s near magical properties can rejuvenate, soothing a scratchy throat and giving you a bit more energy. Keep sipping water or warm drinks like herbal or black tea to remain hydrated.
Getting a cold is fairly common with most adults getting one or two every year. Some will knock us for six, others will be a fleeting sniffle. However, if you do find yourself afflicted by the dreaded virus, look after yourself, don’t do too much, and rest up leaving your other half to take care of your little darlings for a little while. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be as fit as a fiddle in no time.
