Discover the top signs your cold is getting better, from your energy levels to your hydration and more.
Get tips from an MD to recover fast.
As soon as your immune system detects the virus, it will spring into action to fight.
6 signs a cold is getting better
Getting over a cold can feel like it takes forever.
Theres a change in your mucus color
Coughing up yellow or green gook?
This is a surefire sign of being sick.
physician-scientist and author ofEat to Beat Disease
When a virus infects your body, it immediately sends immune cells to fight the foreign invader.
Tracking yourmucus colorcan also tell you when youre on the mend.
When your fever breaks.
Its because your immune system has won the battle, Dr. Li says.
As your aches start to go away, its a sign that your cold has run its course.
Congestion in your sinuses and in your airways [also] causes irritation and sneezing, Dr. Li says.
When the virus is killed, there is less irritation, he says.
Youre sleeping better
One of the suckiest symptoms of a cold: crappy sleep.
Luckily, this lack of sleep doesnt last long.
physician-scientist and author ofEat to Beat Disease
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
You have more energy
Theres a reason you feel totally wiped when you have a cold.
The cytokines that your immune system releases also can cause fatigue.
Once your cold runs its course, youll start wanting to spend less time in bed.
Getting youroomphback is a clue that youre over the hump.
How long does a cold usually last?
You start to develop symptoms, but can still function pretty well.
Stage 2:The active stage of your cold, between days four and seven.
This is when you feel the crappiest.
Stage 3:The late stage of your cold, between days seven and 10.
This is the recovery phase.
Your symptoms improve or may dissipate altogether.
How long is a cold contagious?
But its also possible to transmit an infection even before your symptoms develop.
All things considered, figure most people are contagious for a week or two.
How to ease cold symptoms in the meantime
Most colds are viral.
Meaning, medicines like antibiotics are useless, so you just have to let a cold run its course.
(If you have an infection, like a sinus infection, youll need antibiotics.)
Still, there are things you might do to make yourself more comfortable as you ride it out.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to treat your cold symptoms.
Alternatively, sucking on ice chips can temporarily numb a sore throat and keep you hydrated as well.
Gargle with salt water:A saltwater gargle can help reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat.
Simply put a shallow bowl of water near a heat source.
As the water evaporates, itll slowly humidify the room.
Rest:Your body oftenneeds more sleep when youre sick.
Stay in bed and let your body spend its energy fighting the infection, Dr. Li says.
When to see a doctor
Having a cold is no fun.
But in most cases, its just a temporary inconvenience.
With home remedies, you’re able to usually treat a cold without seeing your doctor.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
