Did you know that the common cold results in well over a billion pounds worth of lost work time in the United Kingdom alone each year? Colds are not life-threatening, but they can certainly make us feel horrible and result in trips to the doctor and days lying in bed.
One of the main problems with the common cold is that it shares symptoms with a number of other ailments.
It can sometimes be mistaken for the flu, strep throat, a sinus infection, or bronchitis. So how do you know when it’s just a cold?
Here’s a list of symptoms:
* A hacking cough that produces phlegm
* Sneezing
* Stuffy or runny nose, with clear or white drainage
* Sore throat
* Possible mild chest discomfort
* Mild fatigue
Cold symptoms usually come on gradually, often taking a few days to reach their peak. People with colds rarely run a fever, experience chills, or have a headache.
Body aches may occur in some cases, but they are usually very mild compared to those experienced with the flu.
Colds usually last between 1 and 2 weeks. If you’re lucky, yours could subside sooner, but if your cold persists for more than 14 days, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. Even if your sickness started out as a cold, you could have developed a secondary infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
In some cases, you’ll need to see a doctor sooner to check for more serious infections. If you have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more, discover blisters in your throat, or have yellow or green phlegm or nasal discharge, a visit is in order because these are all signs of more serious problems.
Treating a Cold
There is no cure for the common cold. But there are some products that are reported to reduce its duration and severity.
Many cold sufferers use zinc to ease cold symptoms and get better faster. Herbal treatments include echinacea, chamomile, licorice and garlic.
And over-the-counter remedies for specific symptoms, such as cough drops, nasal spray, and pain medicines, can make you feel better until the cold goes away on its own.
The common cold may not be cause for alarm, but it is definitely a nuisance. It can keep us out of work and school, and it can put a damper on our home and social lives.
There is no magic bullet that will make a cold go away, but getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids will help our bodies fight it off more quickly.
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Hello Steve, I went down with feverish cold and sore throat last Saturday. I take colostrum (the stuff in breast milk that gives babies immunity to infection) in supplement form all year round. When I get a cold, I wait for my nose to start streaming and then take echinacea 400mg 3 times daily until symptoms clear. I am nearly 69 and already the cold has almost dried up and gurgling cough almost disappeared 4days after onset of cold. This is not a fluke! It’s a successful strategy I have used for a number of years. Perhaps there are others who would like to try it? Best wishes for a very happy Xmas, Vlare Watts.
Ps colostrum capsules are available from Winning Team Ltd, Tel: 0208 901 6477 and I am sure Steve can supply the echinacea
Hi Clare,
Thanks for the info. I’m sure folks will find it useful.
I must say that, as a rule, waiting for a cold to start streaming means it’s too late for Echinacea to be at its most effective. I find it works best when you first get the swelling at the back of the throat/nose. If you’re quick enough, it doesn’t develop.
However, like all of these remedies, it’s whatever suits you. We’re all different and react in different ways.
Glad to hear your strategy works well for you & hope you recover soon.
A very happy Christmas to you, too.
Steve
P.S. Yes, I’ve got several different Echinacea remedies in stock.