Health Tip: Can't Kick the Common Cold?

(HealthDay News) -- There's no cure for the common cold, but there are things you can do to help feel better while your immune system fights the virus.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases offers these suggestions:

  • Rest in bed.
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • To help a sore throat, suck on ice chips, use lozenges or a throat spray, or gargle with warm salt water.
  • For a stuffy nose, use a saline nasal spray or decongestant.
  • Apply petroleum jelly to a sore, raw nose.
  • Take acetaminophen or aspirin to help manage fever and headache. Never give aspirin to children younger than 13, however.

    • Date Published: 05/11/2011

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