HEALTH & WELLBEING: Caught a cold? You can manage your symptoms at home

At this time of year, coughs and colds are common, especially amongst children. This is normal and you'll normally start to feel better within 7 to 10 days, but no medicines will prevent them.

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

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.

 

Related topics: