 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|||||||
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
|
||||||
The Student Wellness program offers FREE cold care kits. They include tissues, gel hand sanitizer, cough drops, soup, tea, and salt to gargle. They also include a detailed pamphlet to help you manage your symptoms and be more comfortable until your cold passes. Each residence hall receives a few boxes of cold care kits, so ask your RA or hall director for one. Or stop by our office in Wardenburg, room 346. In the meantime, here are some ideas for managing your cold symptoms:
Congestion
You can relieve mucus build-up in your nose, throat, ears, and chest by using a humidifier (moist air loosens secretions), taking oral or nasal decongestants, drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids (at least 8-10 glasses per day), and avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke (smoke irritates mucous membranes and makes congestion worse).
Sore Throat
Viruses may cause the lining in your throat to become inflamed and reddened. Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen can help relieve pain associated with a sore throat. Gargling warm salt water, drinking plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, sucking on ice chips or popsicles, using cough drops, and avoiding exposure to smoke are other measures that can help relieve the pain and irritation of a sore throat.
*People under 17 years old should not take aspirin.*
Fever, Muscle Aches, Headaches
Unfortunately, these symptoms often accompany colds and add to the discomfort you may be experiencing from other symptoms. Taking pain relief medication (e.g., Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen) can help relieve the pain of achy muscles and reduce fevers. Getting plenty of rest and fluids will also help you recover.
*People under 17 years old should not take aspirin.*
Cough
This is another symptom related to irritation of the mucous membranes. First and foremost, drink plenty of fluids to help thin secretions, relieve irritation, and loosen mucus. Other things you can do to relieve coughing include using a humidifier, using cough drops, cough syrups with guaifenesin (for dry, infrequent coughing), and avoiding first- and secondhand smoke.