Practice Self-Care
Staying healthy isn ’ t just about avoiding germs . Managing your physical health means keeping your body in top condition by eating right , exercising , getting enough sleep and ditching habits that can negatively impact your body , like smoking and excess drinking . It ’ s also important to monitor your mental health since factors like stress and depression can take a physical toll that impacts your body ’ s immune response .
Pinpoint Symptoms
If you get sick , it ’ s important to pay close attention to your symptoms . However , this cold and flu season brings a unique variable with the possibility that your symptoms may actually stem from a mild case of COVID-19 . Weather may also fuel stronger than usual allergy responses , so distinguishing between cold , flu , COVID-19 and allergy symptoms can be especially tricky . Testing may be necessary to get the proper diagnosis and ensure you ’ re taking the right precautions to prevent the spread of any infection . If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms or about COVID-19 , consult your health care professional .
Treat Symptoms
Depending on your diagnosis , a health care professional may suggest medication to help treat symptoms until your illness runs its course . There are a variety of products available over the counter that are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections . Many provide relief from multiple symptoms in a single dose . For example , an option like Mucinex DM lasts 12 hours when used as directed and contains dextromethorphan , which helps to control cough , and guaifenesin to help thin and loosen mucus .
You can identify the right formula to provide relief based on symptoms you are experiencing by using the online tool at Mucinex . com , where you can also find more information regarding self-care remedies .
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How long a cough lasts depends on its cause , but you may be able to tame the symptoms until it ’ s gone .
Eat Right
• Produce is packed with vitamin C , a nutrient that helps support your immune system .
• Menthol may be a soothing natural remedy . It ’ s one of the compounds that gives mint its flavor , so brew a cup of strong mint tea and put it to the test .
Steam and Hydration
• Both steam and water help thin your mucus , which may help clear chest congestion . Try a warm , steamy
Control a Pesky Cough
shower or a soak in a hot tub and drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated .
Around the House
• If you ’ re struggling with a parched throat from your cough , try gargling salt water to soothe discomfort .
• Lozenges increase your saliva production to help soothe a parched throat and get you feeling better as your cough subsides .
• Exposure to particulates in the air , like pollutants and irritants , may be linked to nighttime dry coughing . A highefficiency particulate air filter can help remove them .
• Wipe down surfaces . Cleaning removes settled dust and pollen while disinfection can help remove lingering cold and flu germs .
• If you ’ re smoking , stop . Smoking is a leading cause of chronic cough . Also avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible .
• Rest recharges your immune system , and getting enough sleep may help you cope with an illness that is the cause of a lingering cough . An option like Mucinex Fast-Max All-In-One Cold & Flu relieves nine symptoms including cough , stuffy nose , sore throat , fever and headache so you can get on with your day .
• Rely on a cough medication that contains dextromethorphan , which works on the cough center of your brain to help suppress coughing .