The winter months bring along with it cool and exhilarating weather but common coughs and colds come in its wake too. A large number of people tend to develop coughs and colds in the winter months. However as long as you are healthy and fit, it's not really something you should be unduly worried about. In most cases, coughs and colds will take their own course, no matter what you medication you decide to take. These can generally be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Both these afflictions are caused by viruses and can pass from one person to the other very easily.
Keeping the Symptoms under Control
Whenever a person who is suffering from a cough or a cold, sneezes, tiny droplets of saliva get thrown into the air. The viruses spread via this infected saliva. If you are suffering from a cough or a cold, carry tissues with you and use them every time you sneeze or cough. There are some steps you can take to reduce the effects of coughs and colds:
•Keep yourself warm with more layers of clothing. Take a certain amount of acetaminophen/ibuprofen. It will ease the aches and pains that accompany coughs and colds.
•Ensure that you maintain a steady flow of fluid intake. Stick to fresh fruit juices and water.
•Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee and tea. There are numerous over-the-counter medicines available at the pharmacy.
•Do not consume excessive amounts of any medication.
•Your immune system helps you fight cough and cold viruses and boosting it goes a long way in recovering faster. Increase your intake of fruit, whole grain foods and fruit. They contain large amounts of minerals and vitamins.
•Do not smoke when you have a cough or cold. This hinders your immune system from working at optimum levels.
•Keep yourself warm with more layers of clothing. Take a certain amount of acetaminophen/ibuprofen. It will ease the aches and pains that accompany coughs and colds.
•Ensure that you maintain a steady flow of fluid intake. Stick to fresh fruit juices and water.
•Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee and tea. There are numerous over-the-counter medicines available at the pharmacy.
•Do not consume excessive amounts of any medication.
•Your immune system helps you fight cough and cold viruses and boosting it goes a long way in recovering faster. Increase your intake of fruit, whole grain foods and fruit. They contain large amounts of minerals and vitamins.
•Do not smoke when you have a cough or cold. This hinders your immune system from working at optimum levels.
When do you need to Visit a Doctor?
In most cases, you will not need to visit a doctor for treatment. Colds and coughs tend to fade out and disappear within 7-10 days. However, if it lasts for more than 3 weeks and you suffer from shortness of breath, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you already suffer from any other chest condition or feel any chest pains, do not delay in seeing your physician.
Since your body's immune system is fighting against the infection, your body temperature might rise. Keep it under control with an acetaminophen formulation. However, if the fever shoots up too high or refuses to abate despite the medication, go to a doctor for treatment.
You should contact a doctor if you find that the symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks. Owl Now Urgent Care has experienced doctors who can treat severe colds and coughs. Call them today. Also, check out their page on Coughs and Colds.
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