You have a cold. A bad cold. Consider trying these common cold remedies to make the cold easier to bear. You have a virus, and the only cure for a cold virus is time. If you go to the doctor your cold will probably last a week. If you don’t go to the doctor your cold will probably last a week.

The doctor may be able to tell you what will help your symptoms or even give you a prescription for something that will make you feel better. But it won’t cure your cold and you can get similar products from the drug store. Don’t ask for antibiotics. They don’t cure viruses, and every time you take antibiotics needlessly you help the things antibiotics do kill, bacteria and other little killers, become more resistant to antibiotics.

There are two exceptions to the no-doctor-for-a-cold rule. One is if you are immune-compromised from a disease or treatment for a disease, such as radiation therapy. Tell your doctor if you get a cold and follow the instructions. The other exception is if you think you are developing a rare complication. A high fever, sinus pain and a greenish, foul-smelling discharge from the nose, facial swelling, ear ache a severe cough and difficulty breathing are cold complications that need a doctor's care.

What will make me feel better?
Staying at home and getting some rest may help and it will make your friends feel better too. You are very contagious when you have a cold. Here are some other things to treat cold symptoms and make you feel better.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Hot, steamy drinks may help ease congestion but any fluid is good. That runny nose is draining a lot of fluid and the body is better able to fight off the virus when it is well-hydrated. A little alcohol, such as a touch of whiskey in a hot toddy, is oka but alcohol actually dehydrates the body and it gives you other nasty symptoms to deal with too.

• Take aspirin or other pain relievers if you have a headache, mild fever, or body aches. Children under age 18 should never take aspirin when they have a virus. It can lead to Reyes Syndrome, a dangerous and life threatening problem.

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