Colds - prevention, symptoms and cold remedies that will work best!

Fall is approaching, and with it comes the constant flu. How can you cope with this typical cold-season ailment?

What is a cold and when does it occur?

By definition, a cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract. It involves inflammation of the throat, nasal mucosa, and paranasal sinuses. In our climate, it most often appears during the autumn and winter seasons.

Symptoms of a cold

Symptoms of a cold include a low-grade fever (37-38 degrees Celsius), a runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, sneezing, and a dry throat. Cold symptoms begin to appear 1-2 days after infection. When it comes to colds, symptoms don't appear suddenly and usually don't all come on at once. Learn what to do when the first cold symptoms appear, what to take, and how to manage them at home.

How long does a cold last, i.e. all the stages of a cold

It's important to know how long a cold lasts so you can best prepare for all its phases and minimize them. The duration of a cold depends primarily on whether you treat it and the home remedies you use. The first stages of a cold include a dry, sore, and scratchy throat, a watery runny nose, and a fever of 37-38 degrees Celsius. Around the third day, the runny nose becomes thicker and purulent, and the sore throat subsides. In the following days, symptoms gradually subside, although a cough may persist for another 2-3 weeks.

How to prevent a cold – a few words about prevention

It's good to know not only how to treat this disease but also how to prevent the common cold. Above all, during the fall and winter seasons, avoid large crowds and wash your hands frequently.

Is the common cold contagious?

People who are forced to interact frequently with strangers often ask if the common cold is contagious. Yes, it's a viral illness transmitted through droplets. Being cold can lower the body's natural immunity and increase susceptibility to infection.

What to do for a cold? Vitamin and mineral supplementation.

When treating a cold, it's crucial to strengthen the body's defenses. So what's the best way to treat a cold? It's worth taking supplements. Vitamins and minerals . Especially vitamins C, D, iron, selenium, and zinc – these primarily support the immune system. Cold pills, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol, which have antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, often contain added vitamins and minerals. Besides these, it's also worth trying other cold remedies.

Cold ointment – when and how to use it?

A herbal ointment for colds is a good idea – it has a warming effect and, thanks to special aromatic additives, also soothes the nasal mucosa. A warming ointment for colds is intended to improve the patient's thermal comfort and facilitate breathing. It can also have a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Antibiotics for a cold – is it a good idea?

Antibiotics are powerful medications that target bacteria, not viruses. Antibiotics for a cold are not a good idea – they can lead to antibiotic resistance and sterilize the digestive tract.

Home remedies for colds

In addition to conventional medications used for this condition, you can also safely use well-known home remedies for colds. Natural methods for colds and flu, used for centuries, warm up the body and thus better mobilize the immune system. They also stimulate it. Home remedies for colds are accessible to everyone, inexpensive, non-invasive, and sometimes even enjoyable – so it's worth giving them a try!

Sauna for colds

Saunas can be a good idea for cold prevention. They're great for strengthening and hardening the body—it works. on immunity . However, saunas and colds are a controversial topic, as they significantly raise body temperature, which is already high during illness. Therefore, they can weaken the patient – so it's better to avoid them and enjoy their benefits when you're healthy.

Does soaking your feet in salt water really work for colds?

When it comes to soaking your feet in salt water, a cold is the perfect time to remind yourself of it. Hot water raises your body temperature, which mobilizes your body's defenses to fight viruses.

What to eat for a cold?

What to eat when you have a cold? Your diet should be rich in ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, warming, and soothing effects on mucous membranes. The following foods are best for this period:

• fatty fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids – mainly salmon and tuna.

• beef and veal

• yogurts and kefirs that contain probiotic bacteria

• linseed,

• walnuts

• honey

• citrus fruits - orange, lemon, grapefruit

• olive oil, rapeseed oil

• onion and garlic

Versatile Ginger for Colds

Ginger is one of the most popular cold remedies. It has a strong warming effect, is a natural antibiotic (it also works against viruses!), and tastes great!

In what form is onion good for colds?

Onions are one of the best foods to incorporate into your diet for colds. The easiest way to make a tasty syrup is to soak onion slices in honey overnight. This creates a delicious syrup full of vitamins and natural antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory substances derived from these two gifts of nature.

Herbs for colds that are worth including in your diet when you are sick

Cold-fighting herbs like verbena and elderberry can be used as an inhalation supplement during illness, as they thin secretions in the upper respiratory tract. Turmeric is also a good choice for colds, added to teas and dishes, as it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is also a popular herb used for colds, with astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Which honey is best for a cold?

Which honey should you choose for a cold? Linden or buckwheat are good choices. Most importantly, however, the honey should be 100% natural.

What is worth drinking when you have a cold?

When you're sick, you need to replenish your fluids and ease nasal mucus. So, what should you drink for a cold? Teas with natural syrups and honey, as well as herbal infusions, are a good choice.

Tea for colds – ideas and recipes

Cold tea is the first choice for most people. Try to ensure your cold tea is full of valuable bioactive ingredients. Good choices include dried raspberry tea with honey, lemon, and ginger, classic black tea with elderberry juice, or chamomile for colds.

How to use milk for colds?

It is worth enriching milk for colds with a spoonful of butter and honey to make it a nutritious, health-promoting drink that will alleviate upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Homemade cold syrup – how to make it?

You can make cold syrup from freshly squeezed raspberries boiled with sugar. It's also worth trying homemade elderberry syrup for colds – it's a vitamin-rich beverage!

Colds during pregnancy – how to deal with them? When medications are not recommended.

A cold during pregnancy requires a cautious approach to the use of any medications, including over-the-counter medications. Do not use them during this time unless instructed by your doctor. Use only home remedies that are safe for you and your baby.

How to quickly cure a cold, or which methods are the most effective?

How can you quickly cure a cold? Many people ask themselves this question. Unfortunately, every body is different, and there's no single, single-step method for curing a cold in a single day. However, by using proven home remedies, you can significantly shorten its duration and ease its severity. A quick way to cure a cold is to get plenty of rest and combine antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications with home remedies—drinking appropriate fluids, soaking your feet in hot water, and applying warming ointments. This will help you get back on track quickly!