getting rid of colds

Apa says: Sniffles and sneezes and perhaps a sore throat and annoying coughs, are the most common symptoms of colds especially in this time of the year...

The first symptoms of a cold are often a tickle in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Nasal discharge may change from watery to thick yellow or green.

Colds are most contagious during the first 2 to 4 days after symptoms appear, and may be contagious for up to 3 weeks. Your can catch a cold from person-to-person contact or by breathing in virus particles spread through the air by sneezing or coughing. Touching the mouth or nose after touching skin or another surface contaminated with the cold virus can also spread a cold.

Medicine can't cure the common cold, but it can be used to relieve such symptoms as muscle aches, headache, and fever. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations for age or weight.

The best plan, though, is not to worry about whether to "feed a cold" or "starve a fever." Just make sure you ceat when hungry and drink plenty of fluids like water or juice to help replace the fluids lost during fever or mucus production.

Avoid serving caffeinated beverages, though, which can cause frequent urination and, therefore, increase the risk of dehydration.