What is the quickest way to get rid of a cold?
451617
Colds are symptoms that occur due to a viral infection and there are over 250 different viruses that are known to cause the common cold. There are a few somewhat effective anti-viral medications out there, like Tamaflu, but generally they won't be perscribed for colds due to the limited supply.\n\nThere is really no "quick" fix for a cold. Like most viral infections, your body can and will fight them off, but it will take time. You can do a few things to lessen the symptoms, though.\n\nYou'll want to drink plenty of water (not soda, not coffee, not sports drinks... WATER) to prevent dehydration. Nasal decongestants can help by shrinking the swollen mucous membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of colds in some studies. Echinachea and Zinc are other popular cold remedy choices, but studies have shown that they are ineffective and provide nothing more than a placebo.\n\nThe best way to get rid of a cold is to never get one in the first place! Wash your hands regularly, keep your hands away from your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), and wipe down keyboards, phones, and other shared items with Chlorox wipes or other disinfectants availible on the market.
1148636
Nyquil and Dayquil are awesome...usually when I get sick...I "OD" on that and drink a lot of green tea...\n\n...cold is gone after 3 days...
977733
Since it is taking so long for you to get sick, that is the hallmark of a viral infection (bacterial infections make you sick within hours, not days).  A few years ago, some research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that zinc supplementation cuts the average length of such infections in half.  This is a similar treatment effect to antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics do nothing for viral infections).  You can get zinc in the form of pleasant tasting honey lemon cough drops at almost any grocery store.  Suck on a bunch of these to get the effect.  It's the only thing I know of, shown to do anything for colds.  However, it does alot and is easily and cheaply obtainable.  Vitamin C, btw, has been shown to do nothing.
49885
I recently had cold and I'm perfectly normal now. I think it is very good to have cold once in a while, so that your body takes care of itself. Further this will keep your body clean from within. Here are some good guidelines about what to do and what not.\n\nFor the last 1000's of years several humans had cold - and it takes about 7-10 days to get rid of cold. Its a natural process. So dont worry.\n\nHowever to make yourself comfortable during this period, you can do the following:\n1) Load up on garlic. "Garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics and antiseptics"\n2) take Cloves\n3) Vitamin-C\n4) Lemon\n5) Drink PLENTY of water\n6) MOST IMPORTANT - Keep your hands very clean. When you shake hands with someone, try to wipe your hands with some disinfectant or best, wash your hands and keep them clean. If you're in a hurry, ensure that you dont wipe your face until your hands are clean.\n7) Take a flu-shot before you get cold.\n\nPlease remember....you dont need to do all of these...a few of the above will help you. Depending on your curiosity, I'd also recommend visiting the wikipedia link below. Good Luck.
878085
This is the age old question, how to get rid of the common cold? I still don't think there is a 'for sure' answer for this but, I'd start with a cold pack, such as, NyQuil or Sudephed Cold etc..  You also need to boost your immune system.   Drink lots of water, of course, and take about 1000 mg of vitamin C with echinacea every four hours.  Try gargling with                \nwarm salt water every hour for your throat.  Good luck with that, and God bless.
903571
Lots of Vitamin C - lemons in warm water with honey or just plain vitamin C pill\n\nYou can try Zicam it is supposed to shorten the cold\n\nhttp://www.zicam.com/\n\nIt worked for me
183399
Take plenty of vitamin C - orange juice, oranges, bell pepper\n\nChicken soup.\n\nGet as much rest as possible.\n\nBe careful about going to the doctor and getting antibiotics. this just decreases your resistance for the next time you get a cold.
851751
Well there isn't a whole lot you can do but there are a few things that can help you recover.\n\nDrink lots of orange juice/anything with vitamin c in it. Vitamin C is essential to your immune system and will help it work properly. Eating healthy foods will also just keep your body healthy and running properly. When your body is running properly it can work better and that includes fighting off nasty colds.\n\nOn that note, get lots of liquids. This includes water especially; it's another one of those things necessary for your body running properly.\n\nGet plenty of rest. Once again you need this so that your body can fight the cold.\n\nAlso, treat the symptoms. There are plenty of medications out there to treat cold symptoms. You can't cure a cold with medication but at least you can make yourself feel better!
572489
Once you have a cold, there's nothing you can do but let it run its course.  What you can do to ease the discomfort is drink lots of fluids(orange juice for vitamin C) and eat chicken soup.  Other than that, just try to relax and wait it out.
675978
Rest, rest and rest some more. Listen to your body - if you want to sleep, the do so. Also, drink a lot. By spending two or three days doing nothing and sleeping when your body tells you to, you will be fully recovered much more quickly than if you try to struggle though. Aspirin or another type of anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen etc...) can also help, but don't let the relief you feel con you into thinking you're better. I know it's boring, but better to be bored for a couple of days than sick for a couple of weeks. There are no magic fixes for a cold/flu. There are plenty of products wanting to take your money - beware.
667499
mix some eucalyptus oil in hot water, pop your head over it and cover with a towel, this will hopefully stop your cold going onto your chest, try and breathe in the fumes for as long as possible. also rub some under your nose as it'll help unblock your nose and rub onto your chest and pillow when you go to bed. i sympathise as I've had 2 colds in 6 weeks.
25692
1.Get rest. 2.drink lots of fluid water or tea is best. 3. chicken soup is great for colds and get some sleeeeeeeeeepppppppppp.
11192
Zinc tablets or pills and some good sleep :)\n\nCuts the common cold down by over 3 days :)
164250
Don't get one!  No, really.  There is no cure for the common cold, just various means of alleviating the symptoms until it has run its course.  Prevention is the best medicine, and a healthy diet and excersise should help you have a strong immune system.  I understand echinacae is helpful combating colds.
155291
Lots of rest, fluids, hot herbal tea for a sore throat, and avoid alcohol and caffeine (dehydrates you).\n\nEveryone has their own quick fix remedy, and what helps my colds go away faster is decaf green tea every day plus a clove of fresh garlic.  Heh, most ppl would prefer garlic pills, but I happen to love garlic anyway.  It's high on antioxidants.\n\nWith my last cold, I also tried zinc tablets.  They helped the sore throat, and they're supposed to help you get better faster.  I feel like they did.\n\nFeel better soon!
862628
Get a shot glass full of whisky(any kind, like rum), add taplespoon or two of lemon juice, tablespoon of honey, stir it up, heat in microwave till warm but not hot, drink it down before bedtime.  That's what I take when I'm really sick.
755544
Get a shot of whisky(any kind), put about 2 tablespoons of honey in it, about a teaspoon or two of lemon juice, mix it up and heat in microwave, about 15 seconds to warm then drink.  This mixture is good also if you have the flu or a  cold.