If you have spent the last several days fighting off itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing, then you might be suffering from the common cold, a virus that afflicts the masses every year. Although you can take steps to alleviating your symptoms, colds cannot be cured, and will thus have to run their natural course. This guide will help give you tips on how to treat a cold.

• Are you suffering from sneezing fits accompanied by a scratchy throat and watery eyes? Has your body felt slightly achy, leaving you with a dull headache? Have you recently been caught out in the rain or snow, or experienced a drastic change in weather? If so, you might be suffering from the common cold. This guide will help provide you with information on how to treat a cold.

• The common cold is a virus of the upper respiratory system that usually runs its course in seven to ten days, but can last up to three weeks in rare, but severe cases. Before considering your treatment options, you should first determine whether or not you are suffering from the common cold. Some of the more common symptoms include:

1. Sneezing
2. Sore throat
3. Headaches
4. Congestion
5. Aching muscles
6. Itchy eyes, which on occasion will turn into pink eye
7. Fatigue

• Because colds are viruses, there is no cure. Therefore, treatment is tailored toward attacking the actual symptoms. Most people use a combination of medications and natural remedies to help alleviate their symptoms. Over the counter medications most commonly used for treating colds include:

1. Cough or throat drops
2. Throat sprays
3. Medications containing Decongestants
4. Medications containing Antihistamines
5. Menthol or Eucalyptus rubs
6. Nasal sprays

• There are a wide variety of natural remedies people use to treat the common cold, many of which you are probably already familiar. These include:

1. Take a hot shower. The steam will relax you, relieve any sinus pressure and help dull a throbbing headache.
2. Eat chicken noodle soup
3. Drink hot tea and other hot liquids. This will help soothe your sore throat. You may also want to add honey and lemon. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamins and aid in overall health.
4. Rest as much as possible
5. Irrigate your sinuses. This helps relieve the pressure brought on by constant sneezing.
6. Blow your nose as much as possible

• It is impossible to completely prevent the common cold from striking, mainly because it is so prevalent and easy to transmit. However, there are precautions you can take that will decrease your risk of contracting a cold. You can:

1. Avoid contact with those you know are sick
2. Try not to get run down
3. Make sure you are getting enough rest
4. In cold weather, make sure you dress in enough layers

• If you have been feeling under the weather lately, then you might be suffering from the common cold. Don't take any chances. Follow the above tips and hopefully you will be on the mend in no time.

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