How to Deal With Winter Colds: 5 Ways

how to get over a cold

Did you know that humans harbor around 1,500 germs on every square centimeter of their skin?

If you ever needed more motivation to remember to wash your hands regularly, this fact can help you stay clean. Even if you have the best personal hygiene habits, you can still get sick at any time. Winter is a common time of the year to catch a cold because people are in close quarters together often, which means you’re exposed to more germs than usual.

Do you need help figuring out how to get over a cold faster? Keep reading to learn about five of the best cold remedies.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

If you have a sore throat, drinking may be the last thing you feel like doing. Although staying hydrated can feel like a chore when you’re sick, your immune system will get stronger. If you have a hard time drinking plain water, try squeezing in some lemon to reap the health benefits of vitamin C.

2. Make Sleep a Priority

If you want to know how to get rid of a cold fast, the key is to get lots of rest. While we sleep, our bodies can pay more attention to fighting germs and taking care of maintenance tasks that can help you feel refreshed when you wake up.

3. Try Eating More Garlic and Ginger

Aside from adding lots of flavor to your food, garlic and ginger contain powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help wipe out germs that are in your throat. If you’re brave, you can even try chewing on a raw clove of garlic for extra potency.

4. Take Raw Honey to Soothe Your Sore Throat

Do you hate how much you cough when you have a cold? Swallowing a tablespoon of honey can help coat the lining of your throat so it’s less irritated. If you can’t stop coughing even after you take honey, you should get medical attention to alleviate your symptoms.

5. Run a Humidifier to Clear Your Nose

One of the worst symptoms of a cold is congestion. Buying a humidifier and taking hot, steamy showers can help loosen the phlegm in your body and make it easier to expel. Running a humidifier while you sleep is especially important because it will ensure you wake up well-rested.

Now You Know How to Get Over a Cold Faster

Preventative measures such as washing your hands and eating enough fruits and vegetables are the best ways to stay healthy. However, if you find yourself feeling under the weather this winter, now you know how to get over a cold faster.

If you try all of these cold remedies and your symptoms won’t go away, you shouldn’t delay getting medical care. If you live near Houma, LA and you need relief, Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care – Houma would love to take care of you. Contact us to learn more about our medical services and how we can help you feel better.