Treat Your Cold/Flu at Home <ZT>

hotday

不是猪流感蛤，要死人的。

Most people won't run to the doctor every time they get a cold. But knowing what to do about one at home isn't always easy. This guide will give you some ideas of what may work for you and help you feel better and back to your old (healthy) self before you know it.

people of all ages are affected by the common cold with children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems being most susceptible.
Causes:
Many different viruses can cause a cold. The most common types are rhinovirus, coxsackievirus and coronavirus.

1。 How the Common Cold is Spread:
You can contract a cold either by touch or air. If you touch someone or something with a cold virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or open wound, you may become infected. You may also inhale the droplets of virus in the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
2。What to Expect :
You may develop congestion, cough, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, watery eyes, tiredness, and occasionally fever. Fever is more common in children than in adults. These symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days.
3。Signs and Symptoms of the Common Cold
4。 Is There a Cure for the Common Cold? :
There is no cure for the common cold. You can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medications. You should also try to get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids. This means more fluids than usual! If your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, you should see a doctor.

What should you do？
1。Get Plenty of Rest
It may seem ridiculous to get extra sleep because of a cold, but it really is important. When you sleep, your body is able to fight infections more effectively, even minor ones like colds. So just going to bed an hour or two earlier will help your body recover more quickly.

2。 Drink Plenty of Fluids
This means water and sports drinks people. No alcohol, sodas, or coffee. Water and sports drinks rehydrate your body and help clear congestion and enable your body to fight the infection. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol in them only dehydrate you and make the problem worse. Alcohol may also interact with some over-the-counter cold medications, just one more reason to avoid them while you are sick.

3。Take Over the Counter Medications to Relieve Symptoms
No medication will cure the common cold. There are several that make this claim, but none have been proven effective. Over-the-counter cold medications will usually help relieve your symptoms so you can function and feel better, even if it is just for a little while. But remember, they are not killing the virus, just helping you cope with the symptoms.

a. Over the Counter Medications for Runny Noses, Sneezing and Itching
A few medications are available over the counter for runny noses, sneezing and itching. These are known as antihistamines. They will help dry up your runny nose and stop you from sneezing and itching so much.

b. Over the Counter Medications for Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Several different medications are available over the counter for bringing down fevers and relieving minor aches and pains. They are sold under brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin and Aleve and also come in generic form. Be sure to find out which one is right for you and your family before taking pain relievers and fever reducers.

c. Over the Counter Medications for Congestion
Having a stuffed up head can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to headaches and sinus infections. A few options are available if you are looking for an over the counter medication to get rid of your congestion. They are known as decongestants.
In the US, pseudoephedrine (PSE) is now available only behind the pharmacy counter but still without a prescription. Several drug companies, including the makers of Sudafed, have replaced PSE with a medication called phenylephrine. It is available in the cold and flu aisle.

d. Over the Counter Medications for Cough
A cough is one of those annoying symptoms that is hard to treat. You never know if you need to do something about it or what could be causing it. You may want to evaluate your cough before taking cough medication. If you decide that an over-the-counter cough medication would be right for you, a choice still must be made between one that breaks up your chest congestion (expectorant) and one that stops your cough (suppressant). It is important to be sure you are taking the right over-the-counter cough medication.

e. Over the Counter Medications for Multiple Symptoms
If you have more than one symptom you need to treat, which most people do when they get a cold or the flu, you may want to consider a medication that treats multiple symptoms. Many options are available, just make sure you are taking one that treats only the symptoms you have. Taking medication for symptoms you do not have is not only unnecessary, but it can also be dangerous.

f. Natural and Herbal Medications For Cold and Flu
Many people prefer natural or herbal treatments when it comes to their health. These can be good options, but it is important to talk with your doctor about what herbs you are taking. They can interact with other medications you may be on or be dangerous for people with certain diseases. Because herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, they do not always list potential side effects or interactions with other drugs.

4。Using Other Remedies to Relieve Symptoms
Using things such as humidifiers and even chicken soup can go a long way towards making you feel better. Standing in a steamy bathroom may help congestion and even calm a cough. Of course none of these remedies are actually curing your cold either, but they can help you feel better, which of course is everyone's main objective when they are sick.
Knowing When to Visit the Doctor

Most of us will not need to go to a doctor when we get a cold. Occasionally though, symptoms will hang on longer or get worse and you may start to get concerned. Perhaps that cold has caused another infection, such as pneumonia or it wasn't a cold at all. Knowing when to call the doctor may be the most important information you can have.
When to See a Doctor for Congestion
When to See a Doctor for a Cough
When to See a Doctor for a Sore Throat
http://coldflu.about.com/od/cold/bb/homecarecold.htm

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