Learn how to get rid of a cold before cold and flu season descends-once the sniffling and sneezing starts, you are going to want to be prepared.
Eat Chicken Soup
If you thought the chicken soup for a cold trick was a myth, think again. The steam will help break up any nasal congestion, the veggies inside are filled with important nutrients and even some of the spices can help ease symptoms like stomach upset.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water-at least the standard eight glasses a day. Juice, especially the kind that has more real juice than sugar, can also be helpful thanks to vitamin C content. But, stay away from drinks that can steal fluids from your body, such as caffeinated coffee, tea or soda.
OTC Cold Medicines
Some of the cold remedies in your drugstore aisle can help, but be careful what you choose. If you're taking combination drugs, make sure you don't take more of any of the ingredients inside to avoid an overdose. If you're suffering from a headache or body aches, look for a medication that includes a pain reliever. If you're having trouble breathing or feel congested, a decongestant can help.
Nasal Sprays or Neti Pots
Gaining momentum on the natural health trend scales, neti pots can clear mucous and open up your nasal passages for better breathing. The pot requires you to pour warm water through your nasal passages. Sound a little too intense? Buy a saline nasal spray from the drugstore instead.
Salt Water Gargle
Got a sore throat? Your grandmother might tell you this how to get rid of a cold, and she may be right. Try this natural remedy before you go to bed. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, stir and gargle.
Vitamin C
Drink vitamin C-filled juice, eat an orange or take a vitamin C supplement. Studies have shown that the nutrient can at least shorten the duration of a cold.
Zinc and Echinacea
Like vitamin C, many people swear by taking these supplements if you want to know how to get rid of a cold fast. Some studies show their efficiency while others prove they have nothing against colds. But every little bit can help.
 | Natural cold remedies do more than just help alleviate cold symptoms by helping boost the body's natural defense mechanisms so you catch fewer colds and the ones you do catch don't linger. |
 | Your throat is scratchy, your nose is running and you just want to go back to bed. You know you've caught a virus. But is a cold or flu? A cold is bad enough, but the flu can be dangerous. So how do you tell the difference? |
 | If you find yourself lying in bed with the flu, it's important to understand some basic ways to seek comfort while you try to get better. Try some of these common ways to get some flu relief so that you can rest comfortably sooner, rather than later. |
Knowing how to create a remedy for stomach flu at home will help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. |
When sore throat accompanies cold symptoms (runny nose and cough without fever or red throat), there's no need for antibiotics: Their overuse is giving rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. |
