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Some strategies might also help the cold go away sooner. Colds can occur at any time but are more common during the winter months. In the United States, adults experience an average of 2–3 colds every year, while children tend to get more. This article lists ten ways to help people feel better when they suspect a cold is coming. It also provides information about flu and COVID-19, as the symptoms of a cold can be similar to these conditions. Cause and symptoms Share on PinterestImage Credit: MonaMakela/Getty ImagesColds occur due to a viral infection. Many different viruses can cause them, but rhinoviruses are the most common reason. A person can catch a cold virus by:inhaling droplets that contain virus particles from another person’s coughs or sneezescoming into contact with droplets that contain the virus particles on surfaces, and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes Cold symptoms may include:runny or stuffy nosecongestionsneezingsinus pain or pressuresore throatcoughmild to moderate chest discomfort Is it possible to stop a cold once symptoms start Although there is no cure for the common cold, the illness typically goes away on its own in 7–10 days. In the meantime, there are some ways to ease cold symptoms, which we outline below. 1 Drink plenty of fluids The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend drinking plenty of fluids when a person has a cold. The body needs water to carry out all its essential functions, including fighting off infection. Without sufficient water, people will begin to experience symptoms of dehydration, which can make a cold feel even worse. Some symptoms of dehydration include:increased thirst or dry mouthdizziness or lightheadednesstiredness and fatigue People should aim to drink plenty of water and other liquids, such as broths and herbal teas. 2 Get plenty of rest If someone feels a cold coming on, they should try to get plenty of sleep and rest. This will give the immune system the best chance of fighting off the infection. A 2015 study assessed the association between sleep and susceptibility to the common cold using 164 healthy participants. Each underwent a one-week sleep assessment before receiving a dose of rhinovirus via a nasal dropper. Those who had fewer than 5 hours of sleep per night had a 4.5 times greater risk of developing the common cold than those who slept for more than 7 hours per night. The researchers conclude there was a link between shorter sleep duration and increased susceptibility to the common cold. 3 Manage stress People with stress-related disorders may have a higher risk of developing infections, as stress can compromise the immune system. Managing stress might be one way to reduce the risk of a cold. Finding ways to manage stress can help boost the body’s defenses against cold viruses and other pathogens. Some tips for managing stress include:deep breathing exercisesmindfulness and meditationtaking a warm bath before bed 4 Eat a balanced diet A balanced and varied diet will provide the nutrients the body needs to keep the immune system strong. A strong immune system is better able to fight off infections. The Department of Health and Human Services outlines the following dietary recommendations in their 2020-2025 dietary guidelines:a variety of vegetables from all subgroups, including:dark green, leafy vegetablesred and orange vegetablesstarchy vegetableslegumesfruitsgrains, comprising at least 50% whole grainsfat-free or low fat dairy, or fortified soy beveragesa variety of protein-rich foods, such as:seafoodlean meatspoultryeggslegumesnuts and seedssoy productshealthy oils 5 Eat honey Honey has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects that may help combat infections. A 2021 study found that honey was more effective than other common treatments at improving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. The substance also creates a thin film over the mucous membranes, which may help relieve throat pain and inflammation. To help ease a sore throat or cough, a person can try stirring a tablespoon of honey into a cup of hot water or tea. However, honey is not suitable for children under 12 months of age due to the risk of contracting a rare but serious infection called infant botulism. 6 Increase vitamin D levels There is some evidence that people with adequate vitamin D levels are less likely to get respiratory infections than those with lower levels. Natural sunlight helps the body synthesize vitamin D. However, sunlight can be scarce in some parts of the world, particularly during winter. If a person struggles to get enough sun exposure, they may find it helpful to take a vitamin D supplement. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommend that people aged 1–70 years get a minimum of 15 micrograms or 600 international units of vitamin D per day. Learn more about how much vitamin D someone needs and how to get more of it. 7 Take zinc A 2012 review of 14 scientific studies investigated the effectiveness of zinc as a treatment for the common cold. The research found that people who took zinc supplements experienced a shorter duration of cold symptoms than those who took a placebo. Specifically, their cold symptoms lasted an average of 1–2 days shorter. However, people should be aware that zinc products can trigger side effects. The National Health Institutes’ National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NHICC) warns that intranasal zinc swabs and gels can cause permanent loss of sense of smell. They add that zinc tablets, lozenges, and syrup can also trigger nausea and other minor gut problems. 8 Take vitamin C A 2013 review investigated whether taking vitamin C reduces the incidence, severity, or duration of the common cold. The study found that taking at least 200 mg per day of vitamin C did not reduce the risk of getting a cold. However, it did appear to reduce the duration of cold symptoms by an average of 8% in adults and 14% in children. This translates to approximately one fewer day of symptoms. A later review, from 2018, also concluded that taking vitamin C does not prevent a cold. The researchers note that further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings. The CDC recommends breathing in steam or using a humidifier to relieve cold symptoms. People have long used steam when they have a cold to help mucus drain more easily. People also report that it makes them feel better. A 2017 review did not find enough evidence to confirm that inhaling steam is either beneficial or harmful, although two studies reported minor adverse effects. To use steam, a person can breathe in steam from a bowl of hot — but not boiling — water. Another option is to use a humidifying device. What are the best humidifiers for home and office use? 10 Try over-the-counter medicines The following over-the-counter (OTC) medications will not cure a cold, but they may help alleviate symptoms:pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofenthroat lozenges to relieve a sore throatsaline nasal spray or dropscough and cold medicines for those aged 5 years and over Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking these OTC medicines or before giving them to children. When to speak to a doctor Because cold symptoms can resemble COVID-19, people should call a doctor to check whether they need testing. In addition to typical cold symptoms, COVID-19 may also trigger:fevershortness of breathloss of taste and smellgastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting A doctor can advise people on what to do next if they have symptoms that resemble COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and tend to recover at home without medical treatment. However, a person should call the emergency services if they experience any of the following:difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath during walking or light activitypersistent pain or pressure in the chestnew confusionbluish discoloration of the lips or face in lighter skin people, or gray and whitish discoloration in those with darker skin The CDC recommends seeking medical help if:cold symptoms persist for more than 10 dayscold symptoms are severe or unusuala child younger than 3 months of age becomes sick, and they are experiencing fever or lethargy there has been potential exposure to someone with COVID-19 Similarities to flu Flu symptoms can be similar to those of the common cold, which may include:headachebody achesfeverchillsweakness or fatigue Most people recover from the flu within 3–7 days, although a cough may last longer than 2 weeks. However, some people are at risk of developing complications due to this illness. Call a doctor if the person with symptoms is:under 5 years of age65 years of age or olderpregnantsomeone with an underlying medical condition Frequently asked questions Here are some questions people often ask about cold remedies. How do you get rid of a cold fast There is no sure way to get rid of a cold, but staying at home, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids might help a person feel better sooner. There is also some evidence that vitamin C might slightly reduce the duration and severity of a cold. Which remedies do not work for a cold Antibiotics will not cure a cold because they treat bacteria, and a cold is a virus. The NHICC also says there is not enough evidence to show that echinacea or probiotics can help. They also warn that echinacea can cause an allergic reaction in some people, and long-term use of probiotics may have adverse effects. How do I know if I have a cold or COVID-19 The best way is to take a test, as the symptoms can be similar. A fever is more likely with COVID-19 than with a cold, but not everyone with COVID-19 has a fever, and some people have a fever with a cold. Read here about common cold vs. COVID-19 symptoms. Summary There is no cure for the common cold. However, people can take steps to ease the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. These include getting plenty of water and rest, eating a healthful diet, and taking OTC medicines and supplements. A cold will usually go away on its own. If someone still feels ill after 10 days or has severe symptoms, they should speak to a doctor. Some cold symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections, such as the flu and COVID-19. A doctor can assess whether a person may have COVID-19 and advise them on what to do next. Last medically reviewed on June 21, 2022RespiratoryFlu / Cold / SARSInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses 24 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.5 tips: Natural products for the flu and colds: What does the science say? (2020).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-sayAbuelgasim, H., et al. (2021). 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