Parkland Health & Hospital System Dallas County : How to treat a cold

Posted: 1/25/2016

Getting a cold is common during this time of the year. A cold can last for one to two weeks. Parkland experts recommend that you talk to your doctor before you treat yourself at home with vitamins or supplements like vitamin C and zinc.

Parkland doctors also say the best way to prevent getting a cold is to wash your hands and avoid touching your face. If you do get the cold, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these tips for treating a cold:

• Rest. It is important to help your body fight the infection.
• Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water, juice, clear broth or warm water with honey and lemon to help loosen congestion. Stay away from alcohol, sodas with caffeine and coffee.
• Use drops and sprays. Try a saline nasal spray or drops to help with stuffiness and congestion.
• Soothe your throat. Gargle with saltwater (1/4 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water.) Ice chips, popsicles and throat lozenges can also help.
• Ease the pain. Adults can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain or fever.
• Avoid smoking. Stay away from others who are smoking and any other type of irritant in the air.

To find a Parkland clinic near you, call 214.266.4000.

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