It can not shorten and prevent colds but some things can provide relief from symptoms.
There is only one cure for the common cold – time but relief from cold symptoms can be provided by the following common options:
• Resting in bed
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Gargling with warm salt water (or using throat sprays or lozenges)
• Using a cool-mist humidifier
• Taking medications.
Fluid and rest
Such fluids as water, juice, soup, and non-caffeinated beverages can loosen your mucus. Especially, in case you have a fever, alcohol and drinks can keep you hydrated and make you feel better.
Gargle and Humidify
Gargling with salt water is a good way to relieve a sore throat while a cool-mist humidifier can breaks water into droplets and releases them into the air and therefore relieve stuffy noses. To avoid a buildup of mold which could be harmful if inhaled, humidifier should be kept clean.
Medications
There is no cure for the common cold. Therefore, over-the-counter cough and cold medicine can make you more comfortable but can not prevent — or even shorten — the length of your illness. Moreover, most of these drugs may cause some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach.
Never use antibiotics to treat a cold because antibiotics do not kill viruses which cause colds. These prescription medicines should be used only if you have a rare bacterial complication, such as sinusitis or ear infection.
Common Cold and Children
Consult a pediatrician or your family physician before giving common cold medication to children in order to ensure the correct drug at the proper dosage based on your child’s weight.
As for infants and small children, saline nasal drops and suctioning with a bulb syringe can help them breathe better but parents should not bundle up their children if they have a fever because that can make it worse.