It’s the end of the year, and you’ve almost made it through the big holidays by staying healthy! But you’re beginning to feel worn down, tired and on the verge of getting sick. Unfortunately, our bodies best fight off illness when we are well-rested and can best provide it with the energy necessary to fight back. One of the most common illnesses seen during wintertime won’t do much more than keep you in bed for a few days, but it’s still annoying! While there are many popular home remedies, here are a few of our favorite cold treatments!
Can I Use Antibiotics To Treat My Cold?
For most, your first thought when sick is, “Should I see my doctor?”
While we do suggest seeking medical attention for severe illness and injury, for some infections it’s best to practice at-home care and take proper medication!
Antibiotics are a popular treatment method used to help those suffering from bacterial infections. These medications can help prevent and stop the spread if taken as directed.
Common infections treated included:
- Strep throat
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection
However, antibiotics won’t help you much if you’re sick with a viral infection, such as the cold or flu. So, what can you do to treat a cold?
Cold Treatment Methods
There are no medications that ‘cure’ the common cold. However, you can manage and treat your cold symptoms while giving your body the best chance it has at fighting back by:
- Reducing fever and pain. You can reduce your fever with over-the-counter antihistamines.
- Relieving congestion. Relieve stuffy noses and congestion by taking over-the-counter decongestants.
- Relieving sinus pressure or runny nose. Stop runny noses and sinus pressure with nasal steroid sprays.
- Loosen mucus. Help loosen thick mucus when blowing your nose by using expectorants.
- Soothe a sore throat. Throat lozenges or gargling warm salt water can help provide relief to sore throats caused by mucus or coughing.
You can also purchase over-the-counter (OTC) cold products meant to provide relief to multiple cold symptoms. Remember, always be aware of what medications may mix poorly with your existing medicine and what may be safest for you. Cold treatment can mix poorly with other medications and health issues. If you are unsure, please ask your medical provider for advice.
Cold Prevention
Before you feel a cold coming, try these prevention methods:
- Healthy diet
- Daily exercise
- Plenty of sleep
- Recommended 8 eight-ounce glasses of fluids daily
- Avoid those who may be sick
- Wash your hands often and well with soap
Most cold symptoms resolve within two weeks of treatment and care. If you believe your symptoms are worsening or not getting better, seek medical attention! A simple cold can turn into pneumonia or bronchitis if not treated properly or if it develops further.
Our expert team of medical providers is ready to treat you and give top-notch medical advice. If you believe you may need medical intervention, make an appointment using CCMH’s Find A Provider tool online.
Disclaimer
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others. While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.
Sources.
John Hopkins Medicine.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/antibiotics
Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22078-expectorant
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
Very Well Health.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-decongestants-770588