How Can I Make My Cold Go Away?

There is no easy cure for the cold, but there are plenty of things you can do to ease your symptoms and feel better. In general, the most important thing you can do when you’re sick is to take good care of yourself.

A cold often comes with a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat and a general feeling of misery. The key to feeling better is to target your symptoms and ease irritated areas.

Soothe your sore throat.

Your family may already know this remedy—gargling with saltwater. Dissolve about ¼ teaspoon of table salt in a 6 to 8 ounce glass of warm water (not hot, just warm tap water). Tip a little into your mouth and gargle with it so it sits in the back of your throat, then spit out. Repeat until you finish the glass. Do this a few times a day or as needed. Throat lozenges may also help soothe your sore throat.

Drink non-alcoholic fluids.

Drinking plenty of fluids helps loosen congestion and keeps you hydrated while you’re ill. Drink water, warm water with lemon and honey, or juices (like apple juice) that won’t bother your throat. You can also drink or sip warm liquid like decaffeinated tea, clear broth or chicken soup. Choose soups with a clear broth rather than cream-based soups that can worsen mucus. Stay away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate you.

Help your nose decongest.

Our nose is often our greatest source of irritation with a cold, so treat it gently. Saline sprays and drops can help relieve irritation and decongest your nasal passages. Be sure to clean the nozzle of the spray or drop container each time you use it. You can also use over-the-counter medicines like BC® Cough & Cold powder which offers multi-symptom relief without causing drowsiness. BC® powders come in on-the-go, sealed stick packs that you can take with you anywhere.

Use a humidifier.

Dry air inside can further irritate a sore throat or congested nose, especially while you sleep. Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom. Be sure to follow instructions for use and cleaning for best results.

Get rest.

Sleep is a great healer. It can be difficult to sleep when you’re sick, but if you follow some of our tips above, hopefully you will be able to sleep better. Try and get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and rest during the day when possible.