How to survive a cold

You're probably familiar with the symptoms. Runny nose, sore throat, itchy eyes: it's the common scenario of the common cold.Sleep and hydration can work for some, but others like Collette Hall say they're turning to more alternative methods."Once I get one, I start taking Chinese herbs. And then I do use homeopathy. I also use the neti pot, that's the saline wash that you wash out your lower sinuses," she said.It seems people will try just about anything to get some relief. But these days, many wonder: why there isn't there a cure for the common cold? So, we turned to an expert for some answers.Jennifer Ackerman is a science writer and author of Aa-choo: The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold."A cold is actually a virus infection in the nose and there are probably 200 viruses or more than actually cause the cold," she explained.Ackerman says all of those viruses are caught and spread through the hands and nose, and that's why there's not a vaccine that can prevent it.The average person gets about 200 colds in a lifetime, and that can amount to five years of your life. So, what can we do to offset these nasty viruses?"Wash your hands as much as possible," Ackermann suggested. "Plain soap and water is really great. You don't need anti-bacterial saps; they don't do anything extra for you. It's the mechanical action of washing your hands that dislodges the viruses and washes them down the drain." 

Today's pharmacies are filled with products like airborne that promise to help. But, Ackerman says, save your money and don't believe the hype.According to her research, aside from washing your hands frequently, you should

• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid chronic stress
• Keep your hands away from your face

"I was really distressed to learn that one study actually showed that we pick our noses up to five times an hour, which sounds like a lot, but most of it is unconscious," Ackerman added.In Ackerman's book, experts say it's best to dry up your runny nose immediately. So at the first sign of symptoms, they suggest taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen and an antihistamine such as Benadryl every 12 hours.Ackerman says her research shows that vitamin C gets a big 'D' in her book. She says it doesn't do anything to prevent colds.And zinc lozenges don't have any therapeutic benefit at all. In fact, her research shows it's all part of the placebo effect feeding into the $40-billion alternative cold therapies industry. Still, believe it or not, Mom's chicken soup could also hold the key to comfort. Ackerman says it has an anti-inflammatory effect..."Certainly the warm broth hydrates and it soothes, and you know, I make it for my kids and I love it when someone makes it for me when I'm sick."Basically, when it comes to surviving a cold, Ackerman likes to believe it's the body's way of telling us to slow down and take it easy, so heed the warning and take a load off until you feel better. 

Source;Myfoxtempabay