Help For the Common Cold

Cold Facts
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the common cold is the most common cause for doctor visits and missed days from work and school. Unlike infections such as flu, hundreds of different viiruses are responsible for colds. Symptoms of a cold may include swelling of sinuses, excessive mucus, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose.
Colds occur most often during fall and winter. The cold weather tends to increase the amount of time people spend indoors thereby increasing the passing of germs. Schools are also a good place for germs to spread.
Because antibiotics can't fight viruses, there is currently no cure for the cold.
Ways to treat cold symptoms include:
1. Be sure to get plenty of rest, especially if you have a fever.
2.Drink a lot of fluids, which will help loosen mucus. Fluids also help to keep your body hydrated during a fever.
3.Gargle warm salt water several times a day to ease a sore throat.
4.Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
For more information visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/