What should you take for a cold?

A cold is a minor illnessthat may be viral, allergic or bacterial in nature and is one of the most common conditions. It tends to be more common during winter and is easy to recognise by its symptoms: sore throat, affected airways, mucus and a feeling of tiredness. In today’s post, we explain what to take for a cold. Keep reading!

As flu and colds are fully integrated into people’s lives on a recurring basis, it is common not to attach much importance to their onset and to assume that they will disappear within a few days. However, it is important to bear in mind that, by takingthe right medication,we can help resolve this more quickly and ease the symptoms.

AtFarmaciasdirectwe show youwhat to take for a coldso that it passes more quickly and causes as little discomfort as possible.

What is a cold? The main symptoms

The common cold has symptoms that can lead to confusion, as they are shared with other illnesses that may be more serious. The first thing to do is toidentify it correctlyso that the most suitable treatment can be started. These are themain symptoms of a cold:

• Nasal congestion
• Coughing or sneezing
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Fever in some cases

However, there are signs that indicate a more serious condition, and this is when you should consult a doctor. These are the signs that professional assistance should be sought:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent fever (from 4 days onwards)
• Symptoms of dehydration
• Worsening of other conditions
• Symptoms that persist after 10 days

In these cases, it is advisable to see a doctor so they can diagnose the cause of the illness more accurately and recommend a more suitable treatment.

What is the best remedy for a cold?

The common cold will go away on its own within a few days, helped by a range ofmedicinesdesigned to minimise the negative impact of the symptoms. For this, contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary totake antibiotics. If this type of medication is chosen without medical advice, the cold is unlikely to improve and, when antibiotics really are needed, the body may have developed resistance to them and they may not work properly. These are thetypes of medicinerecommended for treating a cold:

• Cold and flu medicines. Nasal decongestantsrelieve nasal congestion in healthy people, although care should be taken if you have another condition that makes them unsuitable.
• Medicines for fever and discomfort.They help combat tiredness and muscle pain, while keeping fever under control. They also improve mucus build-up or reduce its severity, while helping to suppress coughing effectively, and are available as tablets or syrup depending on each user’s preference.

What should you take for a cold?

Ideally, each person should choose the medicines that are mostsuited to their symptomsand to how they prefer to take them, whether as tablets, effervescent tablets or syrups. In addition, to get over a cold it is advisable to rest, avoid exertion and drink plenty of fluids. For example, two medicines widely used to treat fever and discomfort are Ilvico, which relieves cold and flu symptoms, and Vicks Vaporub, a topical ointment formulated to relieve associated symptoms such as cough and nasal congestion. Another widely used medicine is IlviGrip in sachet format, formulated withparacetamol, guaifenesin and phenylephrine. Its night-time syrup is also very useful.

But without any doubt, thebest treatment against a cold is prevention. For this reason, here we show you other natural treatments recommended tofight and prevent colds.

Inmunoferon nasal spray

The perfect ally to tackle the congestion that often comes with a cold. ThisInmunoferon nasal sprayformulated with sea salt and the patented Ectoin complex®,reduces inflammation of the mucosa and relieves symptoms such as dryness, itching, crust formation or even injuries to the nasal epithelium, helping its regeneration.

Pranarôm Aromaforce respiratory syrup

With theBIO syrup from the Aromaforce range by Pranarôm, made with eucalyptus, lemon and Scots pine essential oils, we can help clear our airways, soothe throat irritation and protect the body’s natural defences, thereby treating colds and helping to prevent them from coming back.

Multicentrum Inmuno-C

Multicentrum Inmuno-Cis a food supplement formulated with 9 vitamins (vitamins C, D and B group vitamins) and essential minerals. It contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system and protects cells against oxidative damage, while also providing energy and vitality. Bibliography:

• Rosas, M. R. (2008). Flu and cold. Clinical features and treatment. Offarm, 27(2).
• Carmona, R. M., & Montoya, F. C. M. (2006). Self-care for the common cold and musculoskeletal pain. Revista Clínica de Medicina de Familia, 1(3), 110-114.