HEALTH & WELLBEING: Caught a cold? You can manage your symptoms at home
Until you're feeling better, it may help to:
• drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from sweating and having a runny nose
• get plenty of rest
• eat healthily – a low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
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You may lose your appetite when you have a cold. This is perfectly normal and should only last a few days. Don't force yourself to eat if you're not feeling hungry.
The main medications used to treat cold symptoms are; painkillers – such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can help relieve aches and a high temperature (fever); decongestants – which may help relieve a blocked nose and cold medicines – containing a combination of painkillers and decongestants. These medications are available from pharmacies and other local retailers without a prescription.