Understand when to ignore symptoms

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Those bothersome symptoms you're going through are a natural component of the healing process and a sign that the immune system is fighting an infection. For instance, a fever is your body's attempt to eliminate infections by making the atmosphere hotter than usual.

Additionally 

The heat of a fever speeds up the circulation of your blood's antimicrobial proteins. Therefore, you might actually recover faster if you put up with a mild fever for a day or two. Another beneficial symptom is coughing, which helps to empty your breathing passages of the thick mucus that can harbor germs and spread them to your lungs and other body parts. Even a stuffy nose is best avoided or treated gently.

Sudafed and other decongestants block blood flow to the blood vessels in your throat and nose. However, you frequently want to boost blood flow since it heats the sick area and aids in the removal of germs from your body through secretions.

Blow Your Nose Frequently (and Correctly)

When you have a cold, it's crucial to often blow your nose rather than sneezing mucus back into your head. However, 

if you blow forcefully, the pressure may force germ-laden phlegm back into your ear canals, which will hurt.

The ideal approach to blow your nose is to cover one nostril with a finger and softly blow to clear the other.

Warm Salt Water Can Be Used To Treat A Stuffy Nose:

Warm Salt Water Can Help Clear Nasal Congestion Salt-water rinse helps clear nasal congestion while also clearing your nose of bacteria and virus fragments. 

Here is a well-liked recipe: 

In 8 ounces of distilled, sterilized, or previously boiled water, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.

To irrigate the nose, use a nasal irrigation kit or a bulb syringe. Apply light finger pressure to keep one nostril closed while squirting the salt solution into the other nostril. Flow it out. After two to three repetitions, move on to the other nostril.

Stay cozy and restful:

When you initially get sick with a cold or the flu, staying warm and relaxing will help your body focus its efforts on fighting the infection. 

This conflict strains the body. So take a break and help it out.

Gargle

Gargling might temporarily soothe a sore throat by moistening it. Four times per day, gargle with 8 ounces of warm water and a half teaspoon of salt.

Try gargling with an astringent substance to tighten the mucous membranes and lessen the tickling in your throat. 

You might also gargle with a thick, viscous mixture of honey or honey and apple cider vinegar. Two cups of boiling water should be used to brew one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or one teaspoon of lemon juice. Before gargling, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Consume Hot Fluids

Hot beverages reduce nasal congestion, keep you hydrated, and soothe your throat and nose's uncomfortable irritated membranes. 

Try a hot toddy, an age-old cure, if your congestion is so bad that you have trouble falling asleep at night. brew a hot cup of herbal tea. One teaspoon of honey and a single shot of whiskey or bourbon (approximately an ounce) should be added. Just one at a time.

Alcohol abuse will irritate your membranes and worsen your symptoms.

Have a hot shower

Showers that are steamy can help you relax and moisten your nasal passages. Run a warm shower while you sit on a chair 

nearby and take a sponge bath if the virus is making you queasy.

Use a salve under your nose:

The inflamed skin at the base of the nose can be soothed and breathing channels opened with a tiny dab of mentholated salve. 

Camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol all offer minor numbing properties that could ease the discomfort of a raw nose. To avoid getting it inside your nose, only apply it to the outside and under your nose.

Around your congested sinuses, apply hot or cold compresses:

Any temperature will do. Reusable hot or cold packs are available at pharmacies, or you can make your own. Using a damp towel, heat it in the microwave for 55 seconds (check the temperature beforehand to make sure it's not too hot). As a cold pack, a small bag of frozen peas works wonderfully.

Sleeping with an additional pillow under your head:

It will elevate your head, relieving pressure on your nasal passages. Try putting cushions between the mattress and box springs to create a more gradual slope if the angle is too awkward.

Take only necessary flights

It makes no sense to put more strain on your upper respiratory system, which is already under pressure from the change in air pressure. 

Because of the pressure fluctuations experienced during takeoff and landing, flying while congested with a cold or the flu might temporarily harm your eardrums. Use a decongestant if you must fly, and bring a nasal spray for use right before takeoff and landing. 

Eat Foods That Fight Infections:

If you're suffering the flu or a cold, consider eating these foods:

- Rice and bananas to calm an upset stomach and stop diarrhea 

- Foods high in vitamin C, such as bell peppers.

- In addition to preventing diarrhea, blueberries contain a lot of natural aspirin, which may reduce fevers and ease aches and pains.

- Beta-carotene is found in carrots.

- Chili peppers may help break up lung mucous and open the sinuses.

- Bacteria may not adhere to the cells lining the bladder and urinary system as a result of cranberries.

- Horseradish or mustard may aid in clearing mucus from the airways.

- Onions include phytochemicals that are said to aid in the body's ability to fight off infections like bronchitis.