What are the keys to recovering from a cold, and how do you do it quickly?
Every year the time comes around when you cannot enter a room without the sound of sniffling and coughing all around you. We all try to stay away from the common cold, but once you’ve got it, how do you get rid of it?
Jane Esterly-Rettig: a nurse of over 20 years says that the common cold is an endlessly mutating virus. Because the virus is constantly mutating there is no “cure” or vaccine for the common cold. This makes recovering from a cold so much more important.
Many people are under the impression that taking antibiotics will help you recover from a cold. This is a misconception. Since the common cold is a virus, antibiotics will do nothing to heal your body from a cold. Another misconception is that common medicines like Nyquil will help recovery, but this medication simply lessens the symptoms. Medicines like Nyquil will not harm your body and will offer temporary relief, but they don’t in any way help your body get over a cold.
Although medications like Nyquil won’t hurt the recovery process, other variables will. “The Worst thing to do when getting over a cold is overexertion or using harmful substances ie. smoking, vaping, alcohol, or illicit drugs”
Rettig states that “ An increase in rest and hydration” are the keys to a healthy recovery.
The common cold is defined by symptoms such as Fatigue, Nasal congestion, Sore throat, and headache. These symptoms will be relieved by hydrating and resting.
Bodily functions are all improved when it is properly hydrated, which is why hydration is so important in the recovery process from a cold. While your body is fighting off the virus you may develop a fever. Drinking water regulates body temperature and can decrease the risk of reaching dangerous fever temperatures. The body is working overtime when it is fighting a cold, and being hydrated will give your body an easier time.
Increased rest is just as important as hydration. Because the body is working hard to fight a virus, rest will give your body energy it needs to take to recover. Jane says that “an increase in rest will allow the body to fight off the virus and will limit unneeded exertions of energy.”
Recovering from a cold can be an annoying process, but hydrating and giving your body the rest it needs, are the keys to a quick and healthy recovery.