Kick that nasty cold

I am dealing with a nasty cold. A cold that is so nasty that I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Also, I don’t really know how to kick it, so if you do, let me know.

We have all been there. It starts with a scratchy throat, and maybe a runny nose. Maybe you just feel a little under the weather. Then, BOOM, it hits your chest. And from there it’s history.

Taking care of a cold is mostly about taking care of yourself. There is so much pressure on us to perform and stay busy that it is hard to stop and rest when you are sick. Most of us, especially in health care, are expected to come to work and perform even if they are sick, even though exposing yourself to others makes it more likely to spread your virus.

Do you know that the common cold can be caused by an array of different viruses? Like the coronavirus (no, it’s not caused by the beer). This is spread by contact with infected surfaces and droplets. If you are sick, or around others who are sick, it’s important to prevent the transmission of your viral illness by covering your mouth when you cough, good hand hygiene, and cleaning the surfaces around you.

Also, colds cannot be treated with antibiotics. They are just not effective for viral infections. If you took an antibiotic with the common cold and felt better, most likely it was due to your own immune system, not the antibiotic. However, there are some things you can do to help your body fight them off.

So here are the lessons I’ve learned about colds throughout the hundreds I have suffered in my relatively short life.

1. Rest. This is not negotiable. If you don’t listen to your body and take it easy, how do you expect it to get better? Kick back, get a warm blanket and a warm drink, and rest.
2. Hydrate. This is also not negotiable. When your body is fighting an infection your metabolic rate is higher. This means you need more liquid, and probably more nutrition. Which brings me to my next lesson.
3. Soup. What is it about chicken soup, anyway? I’ve read that the bone broth is actually quite good for your immune system. If you don’t eat meat, that is ok too. Find yourself a nice, rich, flavorful soup. I like to make my own chicken soup, and I add grated ginger, lemon, and fresh parsley. Plus, there is something about a warm liquid that helps your throbbing head and sinuses to quiet down.
4. Medicate. This tip may not be appropriate for everyone. However, finding appropriate medications to help your symptoms will make you not want to die. For me, it is a mixture of ibuprofen, mucinex, sudafed (the REAL STUFF), and making sure I use my asthma medication around the clock. I don’t mess around when it comes to my self medicating schedule.
5. Know when you need a medical professional. Colds are usually self limiting. Yes, they make you feel miserable, but most times your body fights it off on its own. But if you can’t breathe, or are dizzy, or your symptoms just won’t go away, get yourself seen. Sometimes colds can turn into something nastier than what they already are.

I am not sold on homepathic remedies, but I imagine they must work for some. Like, a hot toddy maybe? I made one once, and it wasn’t bad.

Maybe some Airborne after you know you’ve been exposed?

I’ve heard elderberry extract may work? And ginger or turmeric?

To be honest, I have tried all of the above, and I am still pretty miserable. I am now trying the famous “tincture of time”. In the interim, hot showers twice a day, making sure I get outside for fresh air, plenty of over the counter remedies, and rest. Wish me luck!

Do you have any tips or tricks to share?