Home Treatment for Cold and Flu

The common cold and the different kinds of flu account for more unnecessary visits to the doctor than any other illness

A runny nose is an important sign that the body is trying to rid itself of cold or flu viruses. Sneezes are a way the nose removes germs and other irritants. Unfortunately, sneezes also help viruses pass from person to person. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when you sneeze. Wash your hands often when you have a runny nose or sneeze; cold and flu viruses are spread most often by direct contact.

Complications from a runny nose are due to the excess mucus, which can run into the throat (postnasal drip) and cause a sore throat or a cough. Mucus drip can block the Eustachian tube, resulting in ear infection and pain. It can also lead to infection and sinus pain.

A runny nose can also be sign of:

§ Allergies. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) can cause the nose to run clear, very thin mucus. People with hay fever will often have other symptoms, including sneezing and itching, and watery eyes. Hay fever lasts longer than a viral infection, often for weeks or months. Allergies are more common in the spring and fall, when pollen and other allergens are in the air. Other substances that can cause allergic rhinitis include house dust, mold, and animal dander.

§ Nose Sprays. Prolonged use of nose sprays or drops can lead to a runny nose. Nose drops containing substances like ephedrine should never be used for more than three consecutive days. You can avoid this problem by switching to saline nose drops for a few days.

§ Head Injury. Head injury is a rare but serious cause of runny nose. If a person has a clear discharge than began after a head injury, he or she needs immediate medical attention.

How to Prevent Cold and Flu

• Eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise to keep up your resistance.
• Wash your hands often, particularly when you are around people who have colds.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.
• Use disposable tissues, not handkerchief, to reduce the spread of the virus to others.
• Humidify the bedroom or the whole house if possible.
• Don’t smoke.

Home Treatment for Cold and Flu

• Get extra rest. Slow down just a little from your usual routine.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Hot water, herbal tea or chicken soup can help relieve congestion.
• Take aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve aches and pain.
• Humidify the bedroom and take hot showers to ease nasal stuffiness.
• Watch the back of your throat for postnasal drip. If streaks of mucus appear, gargle them away to prevent a sore throat.
• Avoid antihistamines. Recent studies have found that they are not an effective treatment for colds.
• Avoid decongestants (unless approved by your physician) if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Use nasal decongestant sprays for only three days or less.
• Antibiotics will not help a cold.

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