In childhood, at the first signs of a cold, mother surrounded us with care and did everything so that an ordinary cold did not develop into a more serious illness. And if then we easily and simply stayed at home and happily skipped classes, now in any state you go to work and try to fulfill your direct duties. Therefore, every adult begins to think sooner or later on the question: I begin to get sick, what should I do?
The first signs of a cold
Before undertaking any, you need to know exactly what symptoms are specific to the common cold:
- itching and burning in the nose, because of which I constantly want to scratch my nose;
- frequent sneezing, but only if the person does not suffer from allergies (if the person began to sneeze, how not to get sick, the doctor can tell);
- increased tearing, which follows immediately after sneezing and itching in the nose;
- nasal congestion is possible;
- a feeling of general weakness; throughout the day I want to lie down, sleep;
- headache caused by nasal congestion;
- muscle soreness, aching;
- an increase in body temperature, however, not higher than 38 degrees.
In the event that several symptoms appear at once, a person immediately realizes: I begin to get sick. What to do? Moreover, any action should be taken immediately, since only in this way can complications be prevented.
Basic actions at the first sign of a cold
Not all folk remedies that we remember from childhood can be used when the first symptoms of a cold appear. For example, to soar feet or take a hot bath is possible only if there is no high temperature and other contraindications.
Therefore, every adult needs to clearly know what to do at the first sign of a cold. The following measures will help ease the course:
- If the body temperature has increased, then it is necessary to observe bed rest, because the body loses a lot of strength due to the fight against infection.
- Ventilate the room regularly. This will kill bacteria and not create favorable conditions for their reproduction.
- Drink plenty of fluids, give preference to hot tea, in which it is recommended to add honey or ginger, or a rosehip drink.
- Periodically gargle with special medicinal decoctions, such as chamomile or calendula. It is allowed to use special solutions using soda, salt, iodine, furatsilina.
- Rinse your nose with salt water or a special tool that can be purchased at a pharmacy. You can prepare a saline solution yourself, for this, add a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Cough helps warm milk, in which you need to dissolve honey and butter. You can apply a warming compress, but only at normal body temperature.
And, of course, do not forget about vitamins, which are a huge amount in vegetables and fruits. And if a person thinks like this: “I’m starting to get a cold. What can I do? Only a doctor can tell” - then it will be possible to avoid the consequences. Indeed, timely assistance of a specialist will always be welcome.
What can not be done?
It is not recommended to bring down the temperature at first. This is a natural reaction of the body to infection, which means that the fight against the disease is in full swing. However, it is worth paying attention to general health. If the temperature is tolerated too poorly, then you can bring down the temperature with Nurofen.
You cannot risk your health, and if you get worse every day, it is better to call a doctor at home. Remember that a common cold, if left untreated, can cause sore throat or pneumonia.
Drug treatment
I'm starting to get sick. What to do? You can take a number of medicines that you must have in almost every home. Well, it's best not to neglect the advice of a specialist who will prescribe the right treatment.
There are a huge number of medications that are designed to facilitate well-being and accelerate recovery. The most popular and effective are:
- "AnviMax", which includes vitamin C, paracetamol and loratadine. The therapeutic effect is felt after 30 minutes after taking the drug.
- "Pinosol" - drops in the nose, which are recommended by most doctors, since they are made on the basis of natural components, which means that the risk of side effects and addiction is minimal.
- "Suprastin" is an antihistamine that can reduce swelling in the nasal mucosa and throat.
- Tantum Verde is a spray that is used to treat the throat.
It is worth remembering that the sooner a person paid attention to his condition and discovered the first signs of a cold, he began treatment on time, the more likely it is to prevent the further development of the disease. When the thought appears in my head: "I begin to get a cold, what should I do?" - A doctor can help.
A child caught a cold: first aid
Particularly relevant is the question of what to do at the first sign of a cold in a child. You can help the baby, but only if you do not panic.
First of all, you need to find out if the child has a fever. If it is elevated, but below 38 degrees, it is not worth knocking it down. It is necessary to give the body time to fight the infection on its own. If it is above 38 degrees, then it is recommended to give an antipyretic agent, for example, "Nurofen." If this remedy does not help and the temperature continues to rise, you need to wipe the child with warm water (vodka and vinegar can not be used).
Next steps
After the condition of the child has stabilized, it is necessary to give an antiviral drug, such as Anaferon. Inhalations with medications or mineral water will also be useful. If there is no special device for inhalation, you can use a folk remedy - breathe over boiled potatoes. The effect of this remedy is complex: getting rid of a cough, treating a throat, eliminating the symptoms of a cold. What to drink when you start to get sick, only the doctor will say. Therefore, a trip to it is better not to put off.
Remember that when the first symptoms of a cold appear, in no case should you immediately take antibiotics in the hope that the disease will disappear in one day. Such miraculous drugs do not exist, and improper treatment can lead to undesirable consequences. "What if I start to get sick? What to do in such a situation?" - you ask. We answer: listen to your own body. He himself will tell you what he needs: puts him to sleep - go to bed, you want to eat a certain product - eat. And in no case go to work or anywhere else in this state.