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February 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
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Should I See the Doc
About This Cold?
By Fiona Young-Brown
A
t this time of year, doctors’
waiting rooms are often
overrun with people with
people suffering from colds, flu, and
other winter ailments. While some
of these do need medical attention,
some are better off being treated with
a simple over-the-counter remedy. So
how do you know when you should
trek across town to see the doctor
and when you should treat yourself
at home?
Cold or Flu
Skip the doc if you have:
Stuffy nose. Medicated sprays
from the pharmacy might help but a
saline spray or neti pot may be a better option. Neti pots take a little getting used to but, when used regularly,
can alleviate allergies and other nasal
problems by flushing away irritants.
Drinking plenty of water can help
prevent the mucus membranes from
drying out. And remember when
mom used to make you stick your
head over a bowl of hot water? The
steam can act as a decongestant and
fight the virus that causes a cold.
Fever and muscle aches can be an
indication that your body is fighting
an infection. Acetaminophen-based
medicines, such as Tylenol, or ibuprofen-based remedies, such as Advil,
are recommended as they can ease
the pain and help reduce the fever.
Use cool washcloths on the forehead
if feeling too hot, and an extra blanket
when suffering from chills.
Occasional vomiting is not
unusual with a cold. Avoid