Catching A Cold? Protect Your Health With These Tips

Seasonal colds and allergies are a frequent reason why Americans miss work and school or have to avoid taking a part in family outings and social events. Coughs, congestion, nasal drainage, and a general feeling of malaise are just a few of the symptoms felt by those who are in the throes of a cold or seasonal allergy.

While experts agree there is no known cure for the common cold, there are some things sufferers can do to manage their symptoms and help themselves recover more quickly. If you or someone you love is frequently plagued by this type of health issue, the following tips can reduce the severity of the symptoms and provide a faster recovery. 

Be willing to get additional rest

Catching a cold or experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms often occur when the body is already compromised or fatigued. At the first sign of a cold or seasonal allergy, simply taking the initiative to get more rest is an important first step in helping your body ward off these types of illness. 

Hydrate with warm liquids 

Swollen, irritated throats and nasal passages make it extremely difficult to breathe, keeping you awake and preventing you from getting the rest you need to heal your body. One of the best ways to soothe throats and relieve congested nasal passages is to slowly sip warm liquids, such as tea or clear broth. 

Use steam to breathe easier

Left unresolved, congestion can build up and make cold and seasonal allergy sufferers feel even more miserable. Using steam is a good way to help reduce this congestion by essentially moisturizing the nasal passages to help reduce congestion. Good options for using steam include: 

• Taking long, hot showers in a steamy bathroom each morning or evening
• Leaning over and inhaling the steam created by pouring a few inches of boiling water into a bowl 
• Using a steam humidifier in the room when sleeping or resting

When using steam humidifiers, remember to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions carefully between uses to prevent the growth of mold or mildew that can worsen breathing issues. 

Seek medical care 

Even though doctors may not have a cure for the common cold, they can still be an important part of lessening symptoms and helping patients speed their way to recovery. Common cold and seasonal allergy sufferers who experience more than a day or two of symptoms without improvement should consider visiting a premier urgent care office like Premier Urgent Care Centers of California, Inc. Doing this will help patients ward off possible complications and get relief from coughing, sneezing, congestion, and other symptoms.