Why Do Colds Get Worse At Night?

Why do colds get worse in the evening?

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1. This nighttime spike in immune system activity and inflammation can also bleed into the morning hours, he says.
2. So if, despite your symptoms, you’re able to sleep through the night, you may find that you feel worse first thing in the morning when you wake up.
3. The afternoon and early evening, meanwhile, are times of the day when your immune system tends to mellow out, Smolensky’s research shows,

It’s not unusual to feel a bit better around those times, but then to have symptoms come roaring back later at night. A few other factors could contribute to the nighttime misery you experience when you’re sick. The absence of distractions may heighten your perception of some symptoms, says Dr.

• Rob Danoff, a family physician with Philadelphia’s Aria-Jefferson Health.
• That headache or sore throat you mostly ignored while watching TV may seem much worse when you’re lying in bed with nothing else to occupy your attention, he says.
• Also, lying down could stoke some congestion-related symptoms.
• During the day when we’re up and about, the mucus tends to drain down and doesn’t accumulate towards the back of our throat like it does when we are lying down,” Danoff says.

If congestion is your biggest issue, it may be helpful to elevate your head with a few pillows, he says. This can help your mucus drain, preventing a big build-up in the back of your throat or in your sinuses. And because you drink less at night than you do during the day, nighttime snot can become viscous and clog your nose and airways.

1. Drink plenty of fluids during the day to keep your mucus thin and watery, not thick and gunky, Smolensky says.
2. Another remedy: take something to treat your most bothersome symptoms.
3. Whether you rely on over-the-counter decongestants or natural curatives like chicken soup (which research has linked to a drop in inflammation among people with respiratory tract infections), these common therapies can provide short-term relief, says Dr.

Jeffrey Steinbauer, a professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. A good night’s sleep may be among the best ways to get over your illness. So using all the weapons at your disposal to ease your nocturnal symptoms is a smart idea.

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Why do I get so cold at night when sick?

What Makes You Feel Colder When Your Body Is Hotter? – It’s actually a normal physiological response. As soon as your brain shifts its internal thermostat to a higher set point to fight off an infection, the rest of your body goes to work trying to generate extra heat to meet that higher temperature goal.

What are the signs a cold is going away?

Cold and flu symptoms such as a blocked nose or cough usually subside after 7-10 days and the absence of these things is quite an obvious indication that you are on the mend.

How do you fight a cold in one night?

You can treat a cold at home by resting and using these common remedies. Cold symptoms are part of your body’s healing processes. Most of the time, it does not require any help. However, you can get rid of a cold faster, even overnight, with the following simple measures:

Stay at home: Staying at home when you are sick will restore your energy and protect others from getting infected. Do not fly unless it is extremely necessary. If you must fly, use some over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants and carry a nasal spray. Take all the social distancing precautions. A few hours of bed rest can do wonders for your body. Drink plenty of hot fluids: Hot drinks or a cup of hot herbal tea can make you feel better. Hot liquids may relieve your nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and soothe discomfort due to a sore throat, Try sipping herbal tea, lemon water, or warm broth. Soups, especially chicken soup, may help thin mucus and relieve aches and congestion, Try to take a hot drink before going to bed if you can’t sleep at night. Add a spoonful of honey to your herbal or lemon tea to help you sleep soundly and relieve your cough, However, avoid giving honey to a baby younger than one-year-old. Drinking hot fluids may loosen mucus and reduce nasal congestion. It also can help with headaches and fatigue, Keep a glass or bottle handy and refill it with water. Sleep: It will recharge your body. Insufficient sleep may weaken your immunity. It is one of the best medicines for a cold. Go to bed early and take naps during the day until you feel better. Place extra pillows under your head to ease sinus pressure and help you breathe more easily. Prop yourself up with pillows to help relieve a cough, Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling will moisten your throat and may provide temporary relief. Gargle with half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of warm water a few times a day. It will soothe your sore throat and ease the throat swelling. Blow your nose: Blowing your nose gently in the right way may help clear a stuffy nose. However, avoid blowing it hard. Take a hot steamy shower: Moisture in the air can ease your breathing, The stream can moisten your scratchy sore throat and reduce stuffy nasal congestion. Therefore, a hot shower may provide you with much relief and relax your muscles. Humidifier: A good humidifier may help add moisture to the air and soothe your dry sinuses. OTC medicines: These may help to ease your symptoms, but they will not make your cold go away any faster. Moreover, you must consult your pediatrician before giving any OTC medicine to a child under the age of six years old. You can take the following OTC medicines.

Pain relievers: You can take acetaminophen for your fever and aches. If you are taking any cold medicine, then you must check whether it already contains the pain reliever along with cold medications. Consult your doctor if you are confused. It can be dangerous if you are getting the same ingredient in different remedies. Therefore, read the label carefully and avoid a combination of medicines. Lozenges: Lozenges may soothe your throat soreness for some time. Avoid lozenges in kids younger than five years old. Decongestant : Use a decongestant to relieve nasal and airway stuffiness. It shrinks nasal blood vessels and opens up your airway. However, using too much decongestant may worsen the congestion; therefore, avoid using it for more than three days. Antihistamines : These can dry up your runny nose, These drugs block the chemical that causes sneezing and sniffling. Cetirizine is one example. Antihistamines along with decongestants may help you more. Expectorant: If you have mucus in your lungs, taking an expectorant may help loosen it. However, consult your pediatrician before giving it to your child or if you are asthmatic, Mentholated salve: Use small dabs of salve containing menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor to help to relieve a stuffy nose. However, apply it only on the outside and avoid putting it inside the nose.

Avoid antibiotics: Antibiotics may not help if you have a viral infection. It may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you are taking them unnecessarily.

Is it better to stay warm or cold when you have a fever?

How to Treat a Fever and Chills – If you have a fever and chills, you might want to put on more clothes or cover up with blankets to get warm. However, this will increase your body temperature, cause more discomfort, and even lead to dehydration. If your fever is 102 degrees F or lower and you do not have any serious signs and symptoms, you do not need to see a healthcare provider for treatment.

• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications : Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help bring your fever down and make you more comfortable. However, they won’t make you feel better immediately—they can take an hour or longer to work.
• Warming up, but not bundling up: Wrapping yourself in an extra blanket or two to keep from shivering when you have a fever is fine—just don’t overdo it. Once you get comfortable, take the covers off to avoid overheating. Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather rather than layering.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of clear liquids when you are sick with a fever is very important. Water is best, but a cup of tea can also be soothing. Avoid alcohol.
• Sponge bathing: Dabbing your skin with a washcloth that’s been soaked in lukewarm water (about 70 degrees F) can help lower a fever—the evaporation of the water cools the skin and reduces body temperature. Keep in mind that using cold water can actually make a fever higher because it will trigger chills.

Do colds get worse before they get better?

Symptoms – On the second and third days, you’re likely to have worse symptoms, such as a consistently runny nose and increased sore throat. You may also have a low-grade fever with a temperature less than 102°F. You may not feel much different than you did the first day if your at-home remedies are working.

Does resting make a cold go away faster?

Kids’ and Teens’ Health Scoliosis Common Childhood Illnesses At the first sign of cold symptoms, you may look to stock up on any number of remedies. But what actually works? While there is no cure for the common cold, there are some proven ways to treat your symptoms. Here’s a guide to what works and what to avoid. Stay hydrated. Whether its tea, warm water with lemon or broth, drinking warm liquids can be soothing, prevent dehydration and ease congestion. Avoid salty foods, alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating. Ice chips are another simple way to stay hydrated and calm a scratchy throat.

• Gargle with salt water.
• A saltwater gargle with about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water can help reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat.
• Over-the-counter medications : Over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce some cold symptoms.

Children younger than 6 should not use over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor for more details. Humidify the air, Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Dry nostrils are more prone to viruses, and if you’re already sick, dry air can worsen a sore throat.

Try using a humidifier. If you don’t have one, leave a shallow bowl of water out, particularly near a heat source. As the water evaporates, it’ll slowly humidify the room. Rest : This is the time to recharge your body’s immune system. Rest and sleep are the best ways to do that. Make sure you’re sleeping between eight to 10 hours at night.

This is also a great chance to take a break from strenuous exercise for two to three days.

Is it possible to get over a cold in 2 days?

How long do colds last? – Most adults with colds usually recover within three to seven days. However, some symptoms, such as nasal and chest congestion, coughing and sneezing, may linger for up to two weeks. In children, cold symptoms last about two weeks, with the worst symptoms occurring during the first 10 days.

1. Colds usually don’t cause serious illness or complications.
2. But some viruses that cause a cold can weaken the immune system or cause inflammation in the lining of the nose or airways.
3. This can lead to a secondary viral or bacterial infection.
4. If your symptoms aren’t improving or if they are severe or unusual, consider calling your healthcare provider.

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if they have any of these symptoms:

Fever over 101°F for more than three days, or any fever in a child younger than 3 months Nasal congestion that doesn’t get better or gets worse over 10 days Red-colored eyes or yellow discharge coming from the eyes Ear pain, ear pulling or fussiness, which may be signs of an ear infection Refusing to drink anything for an extended period of time Trouble breathing or fast breathing, as this may be a medical emergency Irritability, lethargy (reduced energy) or other behavior changes, as this may be a medical emergency

Does sleep shorten colds?

I’m having trouble sleeping lately. Does this increase my chances of getting sick? – Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. Yes, lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus.

Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick. During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines.

In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep. So, your body needs sleep to fight infectious diseases. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.

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1. Brain basics: Understanding sleep. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htm. Accessed May 27, 2015.
2. Your guide to healthy sleep. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/resources/sleep/healthy-sleep. Accessed May 27, 2015.
3. Cirelli C. Definition and consequences of sleep deprivation. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 27, 2015.
4. Cedernaes J, et al. Determinants of shortened, disrupted, and mistimed sleep and associated metabolic health consequences in healthy humans. Diabetes.2015;64:1073.
5. How sleep deprivation affects your heart. National Sleep Foundation. http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-heart. Accessed May 27, 2015.
6. Olson EJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 2, 2015.

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What is usually the last stage of a cold?

Summary – The common cold lasts from seven to 10 days and goes through four characteristic stages. The incubation stage lasts one to several days, followed by the appearance of early symptoms (days one to three). The third stage involves peak symptoms (days four to seven), followed by the recovery stage which can sometimes persist with lingering symptoms for 14 days or more.

Is it better to sleep hot or cold when sick?

3. Create an Optimal Sleep Environment – Winter illnesses can be made worse by certain environmental conditions. Investing in an air purifier to help remove irritants that may further worsen your cold symptoms, or investing in a good humidifier to add moisture in the air that will keep your nose and throat soothed and comfortable, are steps to creating a more ideal sleeping area.

Why do you feel sicker at night?

Fewer distractions – During the day, many distractions can occupy your mind, such as work, family, and entertainment. This may help draw your attention away from your symptoms when you’re sick and make them feel less severe. When you’re up and awake, you’re also usually much more willing to move around in order to treat and manage your symptoms.

1. This can include blowing your nose, taking medication, applying cold compresses or heating pads, and so on.
2. But when you’re trying to sleep, you may notice a particular pain, discomfort, or other symptom more than you normally would.
3. And if your symptoms cause you to wake up and move around to do something about it, the combination of interrupted sleep and symptoms can make you feel especially miserable.

You might also feel more anxious at night as less occupies your mind. Anxiety can make your symptoms feel more acute and put additional stress on your body, which also throws your hormones out of balance. Cortisol is closely linked to your immune system function.

Cortisol is higher during the day, and these higher levels suppress your immune activity to a large degree. When cortisol levels go down at night, your immune system is more active in fighting illness or infection. This is why fevers spike at night. It’s a sign that inflammation processes are responding to the presence of bacteria, viruses, or other infectious matter in your body and your immune system is actively fighting against an illness.

Your body temperature also fluctuates throughout the day. It’s typically at its highest in the early evening. These natural changes in temperature may seem more noticeable when your body’s hotter from a fever and active infection. Some COVID-19 symptoms can be worse at night for many of the reasons we’ve discussed above.

1. Coughing or respiratory symptoms that are common in COVID-19 infections may be made worse by congestion caused by mucus buildup in your lungs and sinuses.
2. Your immune system may also be working harder to fight off the viral infection at night when cortisol levels dip.
3. This can make COVID-19 symptoms feel worse, too.

COVID-19 has also been linked to insomnia. Being unable to sleep at night can make your symptoms feel more uncomfortable. And your lack of sleep can throw your hormones off balance and worsen your symptoms. You may not be able to make your symptoms go away until you’re recovered from your illness, but there’s plenty you can do to help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Should I sleep with the window open if I have a cold?

Temperature – When you have a cold, you may feel you are more sensitive to temperature and humidity in the air. A bedroom that is too warm and dry can exacerbate your cold symptoms and make it harder to sleep. It’s important to keep good sleep hygiene when you are unwell to improve the quality of your sleep,

What day is worse for a cold?

Days 3 to 5: Cough and More Nasal Congestion – During the next stage of a cold, nasal symptoms continue to develop, peaking during the third and fourth days. You may notice that mucus from your runny nose has become thicker, with a yellow or green tinge. This usually is due to a spike in the number of white blood cells your immune system has dispatched to overcome the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic,

As you get better over the next few days, the discharge tends to clear up. In the meantime, however, a cough may develop in response to postnasal drip, says Dr. Favini. People often assume that the discolored mucus is a sign of a bacterial infection, and so antibiotics are what they need — but this is a common misconception, the Mayo Clinic notes,

The discolored mucus is actually a normal part of the course of the common cold, which is a viral infection and will not respond to antibiotics.

Does a cold get worse each day?

Symptoms – On the second and third days, you’re likely to have worse symptoms, such as a consistently runny nose and increased sore throat. You may also have a low-grade fever with a temperature less than 102°F. You may not feel much different than you did the first day if your at-home remedies are working.

Why does my sore throat get worse in the evening?

Treatment – The following strategies may help reduce snoring and OSA:

avoiding drinking alcohol before bedtimeavoiding nonessential medicines that can increase sleepinessavoiding sleeping on the backreaching or maintaining a moderate weight

If the above strategies do not alleviate OSA, a person should see their doctor. The doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device: A machine that pumps pressurized air through a face mask and into a person’s airways while they sleep. This helps keep the airways open, thereby reducing episodes of sleep apnea. Dental devices: Some people may benefit from a dental device that brings the bottom jaw forward. This may help keep the airways open. Surgery: If other treatment options are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue from the back of the throat or to remove or bypass airway blockages.

Allergies can cause nasal congestion and postnasal drip, This is where mucus drains from the nose and into the throat. Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down.

feathers in pillowsdust and dander in mattressespollen from plants or trees near an open window

Does a cold get worse day by day?

Updated December 23, 2021. So you’ve come down with a nasty virus that’s been making the rounds. The good news? You probably don’t need to go into the doctor’s office. The bad news? You still feel awful. If you think you have an upper respiratory infection (URI) — which includes the common cold, most sinus infections, chest colds (bronchitis), the flu (caused by the influenza virus), and COVID-19 — there’s a lot you can do at home to feel better faster.

You’ll have infections like these many times throughout your life, so learning what helps the most (and the least) is worth your time. More than 90 percent of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. These infections create different symptoms at each stage. Most colds, flus and COVID-19 resolve in about a week, although some symptoms (like coughing) can take weeks to go away completely.

Helen (Eleni) Xenos, a One Medical doctor in Chicago, describes the typical progression of the common cold:

Day 1: Fatigue, headache, sore or scratchy throat.Day 2: Sore throat worsens, low fever, mild nasal congestion.Day 3: Congestion worsens, sinus and ear pressure become very uncomfortable. It may be difficult to sleep.Day 4: Mucus may turn yellow or green (this is normal). Sore throat improves, but coughing begins.Days 5-7: Energy and congestion improve.1 week+: Cough usually tapers off after a week, but can take up to 3-6 weeks to fully resolve.

If your symptoms are much worse than these, such as coughing so hard you throw up, coughing up bloody mucus, difficulty breathing, or if you have a fever over 102°F, you might have something more serious going on, like pertussis (whooping cough) or bacterial pneumonia.

If a cold drags on for more than 2 weeks, it can turn into a sinus infection that causes pain around the eyes, nose and/or sinus headaches. Chest colds (bronchitis) cause chest congestion and a hacking cough that drag on for a few weeks. The flu comes with similar symptoms but features a prominent fever, chills, headache, and body aches that usually last several days.

COVID-19 can feel very similar to other colds and can sometimes have additional symptoms like loss of taste or smell which can help distinguish this virus. It’s important for folks to get tested and stay home with cold symptoms to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, keep everyone safe, and help end the pandemic.

1. For more on COVID-19, see here.
2. Treating the symptoms and supporting your immune system is the best course of action to feel better faster.
3. Everyone’s experience of a cold is slightly different from the next person’s, and there are many options in the cold and flu aisle at the drugstore.
4. How do you know which symptom remedies are right for you? The key is to find what works best for you personally, for your symptoms, whether it’s over-the-counter cold and flu remedies or soothing herbal tea.

If, for example, you experience bad sinus pressure when you have an upper respiratory infection, a decongestant like pseudoephedrine or a nasal sinus rinse might be good to have on hand. If it’s coughing that usually makes your life miserable during a chest cold, you could try inhaling hot steam from the sink or shower a few times a day to help break things up.

1. Your immune system’s job is to eradicate viral and bacterial infections from your body.
2. It’s very effective as long as you provide it with the proper support.
3. The best way to do that is to rest.
4. Being stressed out or not getting enough sleep releases hormones that suppress your immune system.
5. In addition, taking one to two grams a day of vitamin C during cold season may lessen the severity and duration of your colds, although it won’t prevent you from catching them in the first place.

Taking zinc lozenges during a cold also supports your immune system, but you have to start within 24 hours of symptom onset for them to work. Take one zinc lozenge or melt-away every two hours on a full stomach to avoid nausea. Almost all URIs are caused by viruses, and at present we don’t have medications that work against them.

• One notable exception: There are antiviral medications for the flu.
• If you start them in the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms, it might reduce the duration of your illness by about a day.) As for the small percentage of upper respiratory infections caused by bacteria, most go away on their own — and often just as quickly — even if you don’t take antibiotics.

So if there’s a chance antibiotics can help, what’s the harm? There are many reasons to be conscientious about taking antibiotics, including breeding resistant superbugs or making your health care cost more. However, there’s another reason that’s of immediate concern: diarrhea.

Antibiotics can wreak havoc in your intestines and upset the normal balance of bacteria — including the bacteria that help you digest food, which can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation, Taking multiple courses of antibiotics puts you at risk of potentially long-lasting effects on your gut.

Like everything health-related, the decision about whether to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection comes down to weighing the risks and benefits. Your provider will be happy to discuss the decision with you in detail. Colds, flus, and COVID-19 are contagious from the time you get them (even before you have symptoms) up to ten days after your symptoms start.

They’re usually not contagious after ten days, even if you’re still coughing or congested. The best way to avoid passing on a URI (or catching one in the first place) is to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with your arm when you cough or sneeze and wear a mask that fully covers your mouth and nose.

It’s also best to take at least a couple of days off work or school while you’re most contagious. Occasionally, viral infections can set the stage for more complicated bacterial infections. If you experience any of the following, call your healthcare provider:

High fever (over 102°F)Shortness of breath or wheezingCoughing up bloody mucusCoughing so hard that you throw upFeeling worse after 7-10 days of symptoms, especially if you have worsening headache, congestion, or sinus painIf you don’t start to feel better after 10 days of symptoms

To speak with a One Medical provider, sign up today and book an in-person or virtual visit. Cough and Chest Congestion

Antihistamine/decongestant combo (e.g., brompheniramine/pseudoephedrine)Cough suppressant: Dextromethorphan (Delsym)Expectorant (mucus thinner): Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin)Gentle hot tea (chamomile, licorice root, peppermint, thyme) with or without honey or lemon juice; Traditional Medicinals “Throat Coat” or “Breathe Easy” teas.Honey (1 tablespoon of raw honey 1 to 3 times daily). Note: honey is not safe for infants under 12 months.Steam inhalation: Boil 1 inch of water in a pot, remove from the stove, add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil if desired, and inhale slowly for a few minutes twice daily with a towel over your head.

Sore Throat

Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol). It’s OK to use the maximum dose for 1 or 2 days while your symptoms are at their worst. Follow directions on the packaging.Cooling or numbing medicines: Chloraseptic spray, lozenges, gargle echinacea tincture in water.Saltwater gargles throughout the day: 1 tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water.Warm tea with honey, Traditional Medicinals “throat coat” or “breathe easy” teas, ” sore throat tea “.Chicken soup or other clear broth.

Nasal Congestion and Sinus Pressure

Oral decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is the most effective choice., Anticipate requesting and showing ID for the medication at the pharmacist counter. Avoid decongestants if you have poorly controlled high blood pressure.Nasal spray decongestant: Oxymetazoline (Afrin). Don’t use this for more than 3 days, or your congestion will come back even worse.Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol). It’s okay to use the maximum dose for 1 or 2 days while your symptoms are at their worst. Follow directions on the packaging.Nasal steroid spray: Flonase, Nasonex, NasacortNasal irrigation twice daily with warm salt water (neti pot, NeilMed Sinus Rinse, Nasaline)Steam inhalation: Boil 1 inch of water in a pot, remove from the stove, add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil if desired, and inhale slowly for a few minutes twice daily with a towel over your head.Moist heat compresses over your sinuses for several minutes a few times a day.Herbs: Goldenseal, Bi Yan Pian, Sinupret

Runny Nose

Oral decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is the most effective choice. Anticipate requesting and showing ID for the medication at the pharmacist counter. If you have high blood pressure, avoid pseudoephedrine or take care to monitor your blood pressure while you take it.Nasal spray decongestant: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) can be used for a short time. Don’t use this for more than 3 days, or your congestion will come back even worse.Antihistamines: Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl (all available in generic formulas) are all effective. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will make you sleepy; the others won’t. Antihistamines tend to work better for runny noses from allergies, but they can help a bit, and they come in some of the combination cold/flu products.Saline nasal spraySteam inhalation: Boil 1 inch of water in a pot, remove from the stove, add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil if desired, and inhale slowly for a few minutes twice daily with a towel over your head.

Fever

Fever reducers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)Drink lots of water.Take a warm or cool shower.Warm tea (chamomile, peppermint)

Headache and Body Aches

Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). It’s okay to use the maximum dose for 1 or 2 days while your symptoms are at their worst, as long as there are no contraindications. Follow directions on the packaging.Moist heat compresses or cold packs.Rub on Tiger Balm.Take a nap.Take a warm bath with Epsom salts.

Have more questions about these symptoms or upper respiratory infections, colds, flus, or COVID-19? Join One Medical today to talk to a provider.