NutritionDoc

The virus that causes the common cold can only hurt you if it gets into your noce, either directly or via the tear ducts in your eyes. So unless someone has sneezed near you, your own (contaminated) hands are probably to blame.

 

Once the virus hits the back of your nose, it begins multiplying. Symptoms appear within 10 to 12 hours, peak at 1 1/2 to 3 days, and are generally gone within a week.

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

 

At the very first hint that a cold is starting, take a first generation antihistamine and an NSAID every 12 hours and keep taking them even if you feel better. That will not stop the cold, but it will lessen the symptoms.

If your cold is NOT better after a week check with your doctor to make sure you have not developed a secondary bacterial infections.

 

Suggestions:

 

1. Begin treatment at the earliest sign of a cold.

2. Take a sustained-release, first generation antihistamine ( the kind that can make you drowsy) like diphenhydramine (benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), brompheniramine (Dimetapp) or clemastine (Contac, Tavist). Newer, non sedating antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) do not appear to be as effective.

3. At the same time, take a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).

4. Continue taking the antihistamine and NSAID every 12 hours until the cold symptoms clear (3-7 days).

5. If your stuffy nose or cough does not seem to be getting better, add an oral decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan ( Robitussin Cough DM).

6. If you feel worse or no better after 7 days = GO TO YOUR DOCTOR!