How to Get Over a Cold Fast: Effective Remedies and What to Skip

While there’s no magic cure to make a cold vanish overnight, you can take steps to relieve symptoms and feel better faster. Discover what actually works and what’s a waste of time when you’re trying to beat a cold. By Mayo Clinic Staff

Catching a cold is almost a rite of passage, but that doesn’t make it any less miserable. You’re likely searching for ways on How To Cure A Cold Fast Overnight, and while a true overnight cure for a cold virus doesn’t exist, there are effective strategies to lessen your discomfort and speed up your recovery. Colds are caused by viruses, and unfortunately, there’s no medication to simply eliminate them. However, focusing on symptom relief and supporting your body’s natural healing process can make a significant difference in how quickly you feel like yourself again. Let’s explore proven remedies to help you manage your cold symptoms and get on the path to feeling better sooner.

Cold Remedies That Work to Ease Symptoms Quickly

When a cold strikes, you can typically expect it to hang around for 1 to 2 weeks. However, you don’t have to suffer intensely during this time. These remedies are known to provide relief and help you feel more comfortable as you recover:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Water, herbal teas, clear broths, and diluted juice help to thin mucus secretions, easing congestion. Staying hydrated also prevents dehydration, which can worsen cold symptoms. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas as these can actually dehydrate you further.
Prioritize Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the cold virus. Rest is not just about comfort; it’s a vital part of the healing process. Allowing your body ample rest helps it focus on recovery.
Sip Warm Liquids: Warm beverages like chicken soup, herbal tea, or warm lemon water with honey are traditional remedies for good reason. The warmth can soothe a sore throat and may help to loosen nasal congestion by increasing mucus flow.
Harness the Power of Honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and can be particularly helpful for coughs in adults and children over one year old. Mix it into warm tea or lemon water for a soothing effect.
Humidify Your Environment: Dry air can irritate nasal passages and worsen congestion. Using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer adds moisture to the air in your home, which can help to relieve stuffiness. Remember to change the water daily and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Gargle with Salt Water for Sore Throat Relief: A sore throat is a common and painful cold symptom. Gargling with warm salt water can provide temporary relief. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. However, this is not suitable for young children who may not be able to gargle effectively.
Soothe Sore Throat with Lozenges and Sprays: For temporary sore throat relief, consider using throat lozenges or sore throat sprays. Ice chips or hard candies can also be soothing. Be cautious with lozenges and hard candies for young children due to the choking hazard, and avoid them altogether for children under 6 years old.
Use Saline Nasal Sprays or Drops for Congestion: Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays and drops are effective for relieving nasal congestion. For infants, use saline drops followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe. For older children and adults, saline nasal sprays are a convenient option to help clear nasal passages.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: For aches, pains, and fever associated with a cold, over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful. Adults can use acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or aspirin. However, never give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition. For children, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen in appropriate children’s formulations for fever and pain relief.
Consider Decongestants and Antihistamines (for adults and older children): For adults and children over 5, over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, and combination cold medicines can help manage symptoms like congestion and runny nose. However, they won’t shorten the duration of your cold and may have side effects. These medications are generally not recommended for younger children. Always consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medications to young children. Carefully read labels and be aware of the ingredients in combination cold medicines to avoid overdosing on any single component.

Cold Remedies That Don’t Work and Should Be Avoided

It’s just as important to know what doesn’t work as it is to know what does. Avoid these ineffective remedies:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections, not viruses. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are completely ineffective against them. Using antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health concern. Don’t pressure your doctor for antibiotics for a cold.
Over-the-Counter Cold and Cough Medicines for Young Children: These medicines are not recommended for young children and can even be harmful. The FDA advises against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 4 years old. For children aged 4 to 6, consult a healthcare professional before using these medications, as they may not be effective and can have side effects.

Cold Remedies with Mixed or Unproven Results

Some popular remedies have unclear or mixed scientific evidence:

Vitamin C: While often touted for cold prevention and treatment, studies haven’t consistently shown that Vitamin C prevents colds. Some research suggests that taking Vitamin C before cold symptoms appear might slightly shorten the duration of symptoms, particularly for people in high-risk groups, such as children in daycare.
Zinc: The evidence on zinc for colds is also mixed. Some studies indicate that zinc lozenges or syrup might help prevent colds or reduce symptom duration, but other studies show no benefit. Furthermore, zinc can have side effects. Intranasal zinc products (those put in the nose) are not recommended by the FDA as they can cause a permanent loss of smell. Talk to your doctor before using zinc supplements for a cold.

Key Takeaway: Focus on Self-Care and Symptom Relief

While the quest for how to cure a cold fast overnight continues, the reality is that there’s no quick fix for viral infections like the common cold. The best approach is to focus on self-care strategies that support your body’s natural immune response and effectively manage your symptoms. Rest, hydration, and gentle symptom relief are your most powerful tools.

Remember to practice good hygiene, like frequent hand washing, to prevent spreading your cold to others. And while most colds resolve on their own, if you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or if your symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

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July 12, 2024

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