Colds: Break out the chicken soup, but hold the antihistamines

It's winter in the northern hemisphere. That means it's the season when you're most likely to catch a cold.

Colds are caused by viruses (but you all know that, right?). You 'catch' the cold virus by touching something that has the cold virus on it. This includes objects such as telephones, computer keyboards, pens and pencils - almost anything that the droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes could have settled on. You can also catch the cold virus from personal contact -- such as shaking hands with an infected person. The cold virus will now be on your hands, and if you then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, the virus can infect you.

Since this is the case, the first line of defense against colds (and many other infectious diseases) is to avoid contact with people who have a cold, and with the objects that they may have touched or sneezed on. Of course this is easier said than done, especially if you have a job that requires public contact. So, the next line of defense is to be a bit fanatic about washing your hands -- or using a gel hand sanitizer. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if you have been around someone who already has a cold.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you get a cold anyway. Here are suggestions for what works and does not work to make you feel better as quickly as possible, according to an article on the Medical News Today website:

Chicken soup and other fluids can improve symptoms. Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, juice, clear broth or chicken soup helps loosen mucus that can cause congestion and helps prevent dehydration. Warm liquids can help ease a sore throat.

Humidity helps. You can ease congestion and coughing by using a cool mist humidifier, leaning over a bowl or sink of hot water with a towel over your head, or breathing in steamy air created by a bathroom shower.

Pain relievers reduce fever and headaches. Acetaminophen will reduce a fever and ease sore throat pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, also are an option but can cause stomach upset.

Decongestants help ease stuffiness. They shrink swollen tissue inside the nose. But decongestant sprays or drops can worsen congestion if used more than two or three days. Talk with your doctor before using a decongestant if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, glaucoma, thyroid problems or diabetes. Saline nose drops or sprays also ease congestion.

Skip the antihistamines. Often used to treat allergies, antihistamines aren't the best for colds because they dry up nasal membranes and slow the mucus flow that helps rid your nasal passages of germs.

The article also notes that, while most studies "don't support using vitamin C, echinacea or zinc as cold remedies," ionized zinc lozenges (like Cold-Eeze® and similar products) may shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

Don't fly if you are badly congested, especially if your sinuses or ears feel blocked or have a 'full' feeling. The changes in pressure as the aircraft ascends -- and especially when it descends again -- can cause potentially serious problems, such as a sinus block or even a ruptured eardrum. Sometimes this can result in permanent damage.

Most colds last for about a week, regardless of what you do. If your symptoms seem more severe, with high fever, body aches and loss of appetite, it may be the flu instead of a cold, and you should see your doctor.