Do’s and Don’ts of Easing Cold Symptoms

We have been so focused on COVID-19 that we sometimes forget that other viruses and infections are out there that can get us sick. The symptoms hit, and you know you are coming down with something. Fever, chills, body aches, and cough, all these symptoms could mean you have seasonal allergies, a cold, the flu, or, yes, even COVID-19. 

Many viruses can cause colds, but rhinoviruses are the most common. You might have a runny or congested nose, sneezing, coughs, and a high temperature - or a combination of these symptoms. Your illness could lead to a sinus infection or bronchitis. Most of these are viral infections; sometimes, a bacterial infection is responsible.

At the first sign of symptoms, you will want to rule out COVID-19. In-home testing is available that will tell you within ten minutes if you have COVID-19.  

Once you have these cold symptoms, you may look to stock up on one of many over-the-counter remedies. But what actually works? While there is no cure for the common cold, there are some proven ways to treat your symptoms. Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a guide to what works and what to avoid.

Simple Cold or COVID?

You should determine if you have a cold or allergies or the flu or, perhaps, COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID, they will monitor you closely if your symptoms worsen. The good news is that most people will not experience the worst, but you may still not feel well.

If you test negative for COVID and your symptoms are not going away, it could be the flu. Generally, the common cold is a minor and temporary illness. The flu is not. With the flu, you feel physically weak, have no energy, ache all over, and have a fever. 

With rest and drinking plenty of fluids, the flu will pass. However, John Hopkins Medical School says that sometimes the flu virus overwhelms the body's defenses, and you develop pneumonia. 

If your nasal symptoms get severe, you might have a sinus infection. If you have these symptoms, you should call your doctor:

• Sinus drainage of a thick, yellow, or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat
• Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead
• Reduced sense of smell and taste

Call your doctor if you have breathing issues, get dehydrated, or seem not to be getting better. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water with any of these illnesses. 

COVID-19, the flu, and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, according to the CDC. It is unlikely to run a fever if you are suffering from allergies. You may lose your sense of taste and smell with COVID-19 - this will not happen with allergies.

Help with Allergies

If you have simple seasonal allergies, you can use oral antihistamines. They can relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. If you have nasal stuffiness, try a decongestant. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Afrin, others) can help.

Cold and flu season is hard on everyone; however, it's especially challenging for older adults who may have chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

Having a respiratory infection can make managing those chronic conditions more difficult. Plus, older adults are at greater risk for complications from the infection or even unpleasant drug interactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter cold medications.

Preventing a cold in advance is better than waiting to treat the cold after you get it. The same precautions taken to avoid COVID-19 will also help protect you from colds and the flu.

Elderly at Greater Risk

Older people are at greater risk for complications due to a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Plus, people with multiple health issues should also be careful to protect themselves to avoid catching one of these bugs.

Those in long-term care facilities or are being taken care of by professional caregivers or family caregivers need to be especially careful. Their compromised immune system will make even the common cold more dangerous. 

Older people who get infected could have severe respiratory problems, placing them in a long-term care situation. Even a simple cold or flu becomes more complicated as you get older or suffer from other health problems. 

Planning for Aging

Aging and the many chronic health problems people over 50 have can make your golden years more difficult. The consequences of aging are numerous and affect family and finances.

Are you prepared for the costs and burdens of aging? Long-term health care costs are exploding around the country due to higher demand for services and increasing labor costs. Protecting your income and assets from these costs is vital to enjoying a successful and happy retirement.

Many American families obtain Long-Term Care Insurance coverage to ensure they will have access to their choice of quality care either in their home or in a facility. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s, sometimes earlier. 

Long-Term Care Insurance will not prevent you from catching a cold or flu, but it will help provide you with quality care and asset protection when the time comes.