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How to recover from cold
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General Health
Question #12155
45 days ago
68

How to recover from cold - #12155

Parth

I am feeling kinda lost here. 😩 Just a week ago, I got hit with this nasty cold. I thought it’d be just a few days, you know? But now I'm on day eight, and it’s not just annoying, it's really dragging me down. The fever was mild, but the coughing and that runny nose–ugh, why is it that a cold seems to linger forever! I’ve tried drinking loads of water and even some honey lemon tea, but honestly, I’m still waking up feeling like I've been run over by a truck. I keep asking myself how to recover from cold fast, but nothing seems to work! I also had to take sick leave from work, which adds to my stress. I did some steaming and inhalations, thought that would help clear the sinuses, but nope! Still stuffy. I’m wondering if there’s a better way or something specific that could help me bounce back quicker. What’s actually the best cure? Maybe some old-school remedies I’ve overlooked? I read somewhere about vitamin C but not sure if it actually works. Anyway, what are your go-to tips on how to recover from cold? Please send any advice my way because I feel like some misery is never gonna end here!

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Doctors’ responses

With colds, feeling like progress is slow is common. Although typical colds can last from a week up to 10 days, you’re at the tail end, so hopefully relief is near. The essentials are rest, fluid hydration, and managing symptoms. Keep sipping water or herbal teas; they help thin mucus and ease congestion. Over-the-counter medications can also provide symptomatic relief: analgesics or antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen address any lingering discomfort or mild fevers. Decongestants can be beneficial for stuffy noses while antihistamines might ease a runny nose. Use these thoughtfully—watch for any contraindications, particularly if you have any health conditions or are using other meds. Nasal saline irrigation or sprays are often helpful for alleviating nasal congestion. The honey-lemon you’ve tried is good; it soothes throats naturally. There’s mixed evidence about vitamin C, though a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies supports your immune system overall. Don’t rely solely on supplements. Maintain good sleep hygiene, as rest is critical for recovery. If symptoms worsen, persist unusually long, or you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or high fevers, seek medical attention—these can suggest a more significant issue like a secondary bacterial infection or flu. For future prevention, remember frequent handwashing and an annual flu vaccine reduce cold incidences. While time is an essential component of recovery, supportive care measures optimize your body’s ability to heal efficiently.

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