HEALTH INSIGHTS

Adult Self-Care for Colds

November 05, 2017

Adult Self-Care for Colds

Woman at home, sick in bed.Colds are caused by viruses. They can't be cured with antibiotics. However, you can ease symptoms and support your body's efforts to heal itself. No matter which symptoms you have, be sure to:

  • Drink plenty of fluids (water or clear soup)

  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

  • Get plenty of rest

Understand a fever

  • Take your temperature several times a day. If your fever is 100.4°F (38.0°C) for more than a day, call your healthcare provider.

  • Relax, lie down. Go to bed if you want. Just get off your feet and rest. Also, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

  • Take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID), such as ibuprofen.

Treat a troubled nose kindly

  • Breathe steam or heated humidified air to open blocked nasal passages. Stand in a hot shower or use a vaporizer. Be careful not to get burned by the steam.

  • Saline nasal sprays and decongestant tablets help open a stuffy nose. Antihistamines can also help, but they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and drying of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Soothe a sore throat and cough

  • Gargle every 2 hours with 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water. Suck on throat lozenges and cough drops to moisten your throat.

  • Cough medicines are available but it is unclear how well they actually work.

  • Take acetaminophen or an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, to ease throat pain

Ease digestive problems

  • Put fluids back into your body. Take frequent sips of clear liquids such as water or broth. Avoid drinks that have a lot of sugar in them, such as juices and sodas. These can make diarrhea worse. Older children and adults can drink sports drinks.

  • As your appetite returns, you can resume your normal diet. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any foods you should avoid.

When to seek medical care

When you first notice symptoms, ask your healthcare provider if antiviral medicines are appropriate. Antibiotics should not be taken for colds or flu. Also, call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms or if you aren't feeling better after 7 days:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pain or pressure in the chest or belly (abdomen)

  • Worsening symptoms, especially after a period of improvement

  • Fever of 100.4°F  (38.0°C) or higher, or fever that doesn't go down with medicine

  • Sudden dizziness or confusion

  • Severe or continued vomiting

  • Signs of dehydration, including extreme thirst, dark urine, infrequent urination, dry mouth

  • Spotted, red, or very sore throat

Updated:  

November 05, 2017

Reviewed By:  

Blaivas, Allen J., DO,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.,Sather, Rita, RN