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Self-Care Information

General Cold Care Tips

• Get at least 8 hours of rest; the body has an increased need for rest when a cold is present.
• Force fluids. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. This will help decrease your fever.
• Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Do not smoke while you have symptoms.
• Take a long hot shower, or get a vaporizer to relieve congestion.
• Gargle with warm water and salt to relieve a sore throat.
• Use over-the-counter medications wisely. Read the label of each package. Take only the recommended dosage and avoid combining drugs when possible. Be aware of any allergies that you might have.

*Note: If you have a cold or the flu, antibiotics won’t work for you. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses such as the flu. Taking antibiotics for viral infections will NOT:

• Cure the infection
• Keep other individual-from catching the illness
• Help you feel better

Seek Professional Advice:

• If symptoms have existed for more than 10 days
• If you have a fever over 100 degrees for more than 3 days.
• If green mucus is present in the nose, accompanied by sinus headache, pain or tenderness around the eyes.
• If you have painful swollen glands
• If ear pain is present
• If you have a sore throat for more than 3 days.
• If you have wheezing, shortness of breath or chest pain.
• If you have swollen tonsils or white patches on your tonsils.

Cold Prevention Tips

• Avoid Close Contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent them from getting sick too.
• Stay At Home When You Are Sick
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover Your Mouth And Nose
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Or sneeze into your elbow! It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean Your Hands
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice Other Good Health Habits
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.