How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast: 6 Tips for Quicker Recovery

There is no cure for the common cold, but rest, fluids, light meals, and appropriate cold remedies can help ease symptoms and support recovery. How to get rid of a cold usually focuses on relieving symptoms such as fever, headaches, and body aches while the infection runs its course.

How long does a cold last can vary, but most viral infections improve within about 1 week. Staying home while sick, washing the hands regularly, and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated can also help reduce the spread of infection.

Knowing how to get rid of a cold also means recognizing when medical care may be needed. Worsening symptoms, a fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C) for more than 3 days, frequent vomiting, blood in the stool, or difficulty eating or drinking should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Cold remedies

Some steps that may help relieve symptoms and support recovery from a viral infection include:

1. Getting plenty of rest

During a viral infection, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity. This helps your body conserve energy while it recovers.

Staying home and resting can also help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other people.

2. Washing your hands thoroughly

Wash your hands regularly because many infections can spread through contaminated hands. According to the CDC, washing your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. You should also wash your hands after using the bathroom.

3. Keeping the room well ventilated

Viruses can spread more easily in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. When possible, open windows to improve airflow and keep the room well ventilated.

4. Drinking plenty of fluids

To help prevent dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water and oral rehydration solutions can be taken in small, frequent sips.

Unsweetened ginger or peach tea can also provide fluids. Ginger may help relieve nausea in some people.

5. Eating light meals

Meals should be light and easy to digest, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Good options include broth, cooked apples, bananas, cooked carrots or zucchini, rice, and lean meats such as chicken.

Boiled, baked, or grilled foods may also be easier to tolerate.

During a viral infection, it may be helpful to avoid spicy, very sugary, or high-fat foods if they make symptoms worse. Raw fruits and vegetables may also be harder to tolerate when you have significant nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

6. Taking medication

Medication may sometimes be used to relieve symptoms of a viral infection. The best option depends on your symptoms, age, medical history, and any other medications you take.

• Medication for pain and fever: acetaminophen can be used to temporarily relieve headaches, body aches, and fever. Take it according to the instructions on the product label or as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Medication for nausea and vomiting: if nausea or vomiting is severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antiemetic. The specific medication and dose should be determined based on the cause of the symptoms, your age, and your medical history.
• Medication for diarrhea: adults with acute diarrhea may be able to use loperamide to control symptoms. It should be taken according to the package directions and should not be used if you have bloody or black stools. If you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider before using it.

According to the CDC, antibiotics do not work against viruses, including those that cause the common cold, and will not help you feel better when you have a viral infection. Medical guidance is important if symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse.

Zinc and vitamin C are commonly sold as dietary supplements. However, dietary supplements are not FDA-approved to treat, prevent, or cure viral infections.

Treatment in children

Viral infection treatment in children and babies is similar to treatment in adults. However, children should be evaluated by a pediatrician when appropriate so that treatment can be adjusted for their age, weight, symptoms, and overall health.

Children should generally stay home from daycare or school when necessary to recover and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Parents and caregivers should:

• Check the child's or baby's temperature as needed and, if recommended by a healthcare provider, give an age-appropriate fever-reducing medication at the correct dose.

• Encourage the child to drink fluids frequently. Babies who are breastfeeding should continue to breastfeed regularly.

• Offer small amounts of easy-to-digest foods, such as soup, rice with cooked chicken, cooked apples, or bananas.

• Wash the child's or baby's hands regularly and make sure other family members wash their hands frequently.

These measures can help relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, and support recovery. Read about signs of dehydration in babies to look out for.