Self-Help Guide for the Common Cold

  Take an oral decongestant, such as over-the-counter Sudafed

  Use a salt water nasal spray, such as Ocean Mist, to loosen thick mucus

  Medicated nasal sprays, such as Nostrilla, often help clear a very congested
     head.  USE AS DIRECTED NO MORE THAN 5 DAYS MAXIMUM

  Drink lots of water to keep the secretions thin

  If you can, use a cool mist vaporizer in the room in which you sleep

  Get as much rest as possible

  Eat nutritiously to help your body fight this viral infection

  Visit the Health Services Center if:

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 you have fever over 101

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 your nasal discharge is yellow, brown or green all day long for over 24 hours

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 you cough up discolored mucus for over 12 hours or if your cough is keeping you awake

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 you have chest pain associated with a cough

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 you develop an earache

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 you have a white spots in your throat or a sore throat not responding to symptomatic measures

Colds are caused by a virus and are spread through respiratory droplets and person to person contact.

A cold usually lasts from 7 to 10 days. To prevent spreading a cold:

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 Do not eat or drink after other people

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 Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

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 WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, this is the most important preventative measure.

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 Get adequate rest

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 Eat nutritiously

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 Take vitamin supplements