Common cold: The road to recovery

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(NC)—As the winter descends upon us and the weather changes for the worse, so may your health. In preparation for this winter's cough and cold season, you can ease the discomfort of your symptoms by taking a few important steps.

A hacking cough is the most common symptom of the cold. “Coughs will generally go away on their own as long as the sufferer is taking proper care of themselves and allowing for plenty of rest, staying well hydrated and keeping their environment well humidified,” says Dr. David Greenberg, General Practitioner at St.Joseph's Health Centre. “Cold medications like Benylin will not only make the illness more tolerable, they will also help to keep it contained.”

The same can be said for nasal congestion. Over-the-counter medicines can help to relieve a stuffy nose and make breathing more comfortable. Most important is to take the time for rest and recuperation – when you sleep, your body is able to fight infections more effectively, so getting to bed an hour or two earlier may help you recover more quickly.

By taking proper preventions and avoiding stress and over-exertion, cold symptoms should run a natural course and fade into a distant memory within five to seven days.

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