Colds and flu have no cure

What you need to know:

  • The body can only fight off infection when well nourished. Most people usually have a poor appetite when they develop a flu or cold, yet your body needs food to fight infection.

  • To solve this, eat small meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal.

  • Take a painkiller: Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be of great relief when you have a cold or flu, since they help to bring down fever and dull aches.

You have probably caught a cold or flu a couple of times. Cold and flu viruses are easily spread.

You get infected when you breathe in droplets that are sneezed or coughed by a sick person. These viruses are also transmitted when infected droplets are left on utensils and surfaces like door knobs.

Usually, the virus gets into the body through the eyes or nose. There is no cure for colds and flu, since they are caused by viruses. However, there are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms and keep yourself comfortable.

Stay hydrated: Take plenty of fluids to replace losses caused by a runny nose and sweating. Fluids also help to unblock a stuffy nose and thins mucus, which makes coughing easier. Fluids can be in form of plain water (preferably warm), soups, for instance chicken soup, hot tea, and diluted fruit juices. However, avoid juices made from citrus fruits, since they can cause irritation if you have a sore throat. Fluids help to clear up the sinuses, and sooth the throat as well.

Rest: Taking some time off to rest during the first few days of a cold or flu will do you a lot of good. If you are rested, your body is better equipped to fight off infection.

Eat well: Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits.

The body can only fight off infection when well nourished. Most people usually have a poor appetite when they develop a flu or cold, yet your body needs food to fight infection.

To solve this, eat small meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal.

Take a painkiller: Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be of great relief when you have a cold or flu, since they help to bring down fever and dull aches.

Fever is a common symptom of flu - your body temperature goes up when fighting disease. Take the painkillers as recommended on the package, or consult a doctor.

Take a decongestant or an expectorant: a decongestant (oral or nasal) helps you breathe with ease, since it reduces the swelling in the nose, caused by the viruses.

For young children, nasal saline drops (containing salt and water) can be used to ease nasal congestion. In case of a productive cough, using an OTC expectorant can help soften the thick mucus so that more of it can be coughed out easily. Unlike what many think, antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu, since they are caused by viruses.

Steam inhalation: Position your face over a basin of hot water and then cover your head using a towel, Close your eyes and then inhale the steam deeply, while making sure that the hot steam does not get into your eyes.

The aim of steaming is to ease congestion in the nose by loosening the thick mucus, making it easier to blow your nose.

Adding menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, or pine into the steaming water can help in clearing the nasal passageways.

Gargle salty water: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it to rinse your throat at least every hour. Gargling helps to ease soreness and swelling.

These remedies will not cure you, but they will ease the discomfort of the symptoms as you wait for them to subside.