Cold season

2. Take in extra liquids
Drink lots of water, or comforting warm beverages like herbal tea or broth. Fluids will prevent dehydration and make your throat feel better. They’ll also think mucus and reduce the risk of lung or ear infections. But avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration instead of preventing it. 

3. Give your nose some TLC
A saline solution can ease stuffiness in your nose. Saline is an advantage over medicated nasal sprays, which can lead to rebound congestion later. ou can buy a saline rinse at the drugstore, or even make it at home using pickling salt, baking soda and boiled water. 

4. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salted water will often make your sore throat feel better, albeit temporarily. Try it every couple of hours or so. It may also prevent further infection, helping you get back to normal before you know it.

5. Get extra sleep
A good night’s sleep – or three – will help our body bounce back more quickly. Perhaps easier said than done, if you’ve got a busy household that inevitably falls apart without you. Enlist help from your family, so you can take a break and get the must needed rest you need. 

6. Feed your cold
Your body also relies on a healthy, well-balanced diet to get well, so make sure you’re having frequent, nourishing meals and snacks. 

7. Stamp out cigarettes
If you smoke, stop. If you can’t, then try to cut back on cigarettes while you’re sick. The smoke can irritate the respiratory system, making your cold last longer and raising your risk of other respiratory infections. 

8. Take supplements
It seems important to take supplements at the very beginning of a cold. Sometimes your body is slower to produce enough vitamins you need when it’s under attack.

9. What won’t work?
Most of us know that a court of antibiotics won’t get rid of a cold virus, and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Cough syrups and cold medications won’t shorten your illness, either. What about exercise? Advice is mixed as to whether physical activity will help or hinder your recovery. But it’s probably best to avoid intense exercise and focus on rest. 



10. Stay healthy
Of course, the best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid catching cold germs in the first place. Follow a healthy lifestyle and diet, and quitting smoking. It’s important to wash your hands regularly and properly. 

From all of us at Tom Wallace Insurance Agency, LLC, we want to make sure you are in the best health possible and ready to tackle anything.