School has begun and believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. That means cold and flu season isn’t far away either. There’s no cure for the common cold, despite the abundance of cold-relief products in drugstores. To ease symptoms, try these tips from Melinda Richards, FNP-BC with Baptist Medical Clinic | Yazoo Family Healthcare.
Colds
Drink plenty of fluids.
Apply petroleum jelly to soothe a raw nose.
Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headache or fever.
“Contact your healthcare provider if you have a persistent fever over 101,” cautions Richards. “This could be a sign of a more serious illness.”
Sore Throats:
Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
Gargle with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per one 8-ounce cup of water).
Suck on flavored frozen desserts, such as ice pops.
Use a humidifier in your bedroom or other rooms you frequent.
Drink a lot of liquids to keep your throat lubricated and prevent dehydration.
Congestion
Your mother was right about chicken soup. According to the National Institutes of Health, the steam from the soup may open congested noses and throats.
“The soup also provides fluid, which is important for fighting infection,” adds Richards.
Do you need a primary care provider? We make it easy for you to find a healthcare provider conveniently located near you at one of our two Baptist Medical Clinics in Yazoo City. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Baptist Medical Center Yazoo at 662-746-2261or visit
www.baptistyazoo.org.
