Catch a cold? This is how you get through the day

1. Steam and relax

Start the day with a warm shower. You relax the whole body and the warm water can relieve your complaints. However, it does not speed up healing. You can also steam over a bowl of hot water. Do not use chamomile or menthol, this can irritate the mucous membranes.

2. Drink enough

If you have a cold, you need fluids. So drink throughout the day: water, juice, broth, tea. Your immune system can then better fight against germs. In doing so, you keep swollen mucous membranes moist and you also replenish the moisture that you lose by blowing your nose. It is better to avoid alcohol, coffee and energy drinks, they have a dehydrating effect.

3. Open your nose

With a stuffy nose, nasal drops with salt and water can sometimes give some relief. You can make the saline yourself by dissolving a level teaspoon of salt in a lemonade glass with lukewarm water.

Of course, you can also buy ready-made nasal drops or sprays. You have them with saline or with xylometazoline. The latter reduces the swelling of the mucous membrane, allowing you to breathe more easily. You can use a product containing xylometazoline three times a day for a maximum of one week.

4. Avoid smoke

Smoke from cigarettes irritates the mucous membranes and therefore delays recovery. Secondhand smoke is just as bad as smoking yourself. So avoid smoky areas and leave cigarettes.

5. Soothes Pain

Do you feel very bad? Then take paracetamol or ibuprofen. This not only soothes any pain, but it can also reduce any fever or inflammation. Be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose.

6. Wash your hands

It is always important to wash your hands regularly, but if you have a cold, this is even more so. In any case, wash your hands after every cough, sneeze or snout. Also try not to touch your eyes, mouth and nose too often. That way you can easily reinfect yourself. And then you will have a cold even longer.

7. Go for fresh air

Warm dry air from a heating system dries out the mucous membranes faster. So ensure good ventilation and use a humidifier if necessary. Getting outside can also do wonders. A little bit of daylight makes everyone feel better.

8. Be Lonely

To be sure that you do not infect the people in your environment, it is smart to avoid direct contact with others. Keep your hands or a handkerchief over your mouth when you sneeze, or even better: sneeze into your elbow. Also try not to shake hands too much.

9. Take a rest

Your body needs rest to recover from a cold. So don’t plan too much in the evening, have a good meal and go to bed on time. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep. A rested body has more resistance.

10. Be patient

The common cold will go away on its own, but the coughing, sneezing, and sniffling can sometimes take up to a few weeks. So be patient and don’t expect that you will be back to your old self after two days. If you suffer from other complaints such as shortness of breath, drowsiness or a fever that lasts longer than five days, it is wise to contact your doctor.