When your nose is running, and your head is pounding, you don’t have to wait for the doctor to give you the diagnosis. When these symptoms show up, you’re probably facing a common cold, which is the most common infection in adults and children in the United States.
There’s no cure for a common cold, but there are plenty of things that can help. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about colds to get through them easier. Keep reading to get your answer to the question, “how long does a common cold last?”
How Long Does a Common Cold Last?
The average common cold usually lasts 7-10 days, but sometimes it can take up to 14 days or longer to completely rid the body of the virus. Everyone’s recovery time is different. Symptoms typically show within three days but will remain for 1 to 2 weeks.
Cold symptoms may begin with a sore throat and a fever, followed by a runny or stuffy nose with congestion. A person may experience fatigue and a general feeling of being run down as the cold progresses. Coughing is also common, though it is usually more persistent in the later stages of the cold.
Additional symptoms may include achiness, sneezing, and watery eyes. While many of these symptoms seem mild, if any worsen or persist beyond the expected length of a cold, it will be essential to consult a medical professional.
Natural Remedies to Speed Up Common Cold Recovery
Natural remedies can help speed up the common cold recovery time, especially for those who are taking antibiotics for bacteria-based colds.
Increase vitamin D intake, eat nutrient-dense foods, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. These are all ways to reduce the length of the common cold and its symptoms.
For the best results, combine natural remedies with conventional medicine. Following your doctor’s advice are the safest and most effective approaches to combating a cold.
Additionally, washing your hands, avoiding contact with those who have cold symptoms, and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, can help reduce the spread of illnesses.
Boosting Your Immune System to Prevent Common Colds
It is important to learn how to boost your immune system to prevent a cold from happening.
Eating a diet high in vitamin C, such as oranges or various vegetable juices, can help to strengthen the immune system and fight off a cold. Exercising regularly to ensure the body is getting sufficient oxygen and rest can also help promote a healthy immune system and may decrease the duration of a cold.
Additionally, taking a probiotic supplement or eating foods with probiotics like yogurt can help boost the number of good bacteria in the gut and may help to prevent and reduce the severity of a cold. Check out this product to boost your immunity.
Finally, ensuring the body is receiving sufficient sleep on a regular basis is another essential step for strengthening the immune system.
By taking these simple steps and taking regular preventative measures, a person can significantly reduce the duration of a common cold.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
In conclusion, taking preventive measures to avoid catching a common cold is much more effective than treating it once it’s contracted. To avoid getting sick, it is important to practice healthy habits such as adequate exercise, proper sleep, and a balanced diet. So, practice healthy habits and stay safe to avoid getting sick!
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