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Warm or hot water can be very helpful for relieving many symptoms of sickness. It can loosen mucus in the nose, clear the head, relieve congestion and soothe tense muscles.  Your bath or shower water should be between 36 and 40°C (or 95 to 105°F) to minimize the risk of burning your skin. Check the temperature with a thermometer or simply adjust the temperature on your water heater.  Breathe in the steam from the water. Add Epsom salts or an aromatherapy oil such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the water. Either product can have a sedative effect and also open up stuffed nasal passages and your head.  Consider keeping a humidifier near you to help keep your head clear of congestion throughout the day. Rinsing your throat with saltwater can relieve a sore and scratchy throat. This remedy can relieve inflammation and may make it easier to swallow and talk.  Mix 1/2 a teaspoon of salt into an 8-oz glass of warm water to make saltwater. Rinse with a mouthful of the solution for 30 seconds. You can do this as often as necessary. You may not have any choice but to go to work or school, or even just stay home. Reducing your workload by eliminating strenuous tasks can help you get much needed rest as well as relieving symptoms such as pain and discomfort.  Take it easy wherever you can. For example, try and reschedule meetings or don’t participate in gym class. If you work at home, leave strenuous work such as the laundry or cleaning until you feel better. Decreasing and shifting your workload can be especially important if you are taking medications that make you foggy or drowsy. Stay away from exercise until you feel better. This may give you enough energy to get through the day. If you are feeling too sick to get through your day, call in sick to work or school. This may help you feel better more quickly while minimizing the risk that you spread any illness to colleagues.  Be honest with your superiors about why you are not coming. For example, “I’m suffering from terrible congestion and a very bad headache. It makes it difficult to concentrate.” This is a good option if you work at a job such as construction where you cannot do less strenuous activity until you feel better.  If you work with children, the elderly, or people with weakened or compromised immune systems, or if you work with food, you absolutely should not go to work when sick. Ensuring that you are properly hydrated can replace fluids you lose as a result of being sick. This may help relieve your symptoms so that you feel well enough to push through the day.  Drink at least nine cups of water for proper hydration if you are a woman and 13 cups if you are a man.  Drink clear liquids such as water, juice, clear broth, or non-caffeinated soft drinks. Steer clear of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, black teas, and soft drinks. They could dehydrate you and exacerbate your symptoms. Several studies have shown eating chicken soup can relieve the symptoms of a cold or other illness. Having some chicken soup can help keep you hydrated as well as minimizing your symptoms. There are many options for chicken soups including tasty chicken noodle soup. Chicken soup possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help increase the movement of mucus through the nose, which can alleviate congestion and other symptoms. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is low in fiber and easy to digest. It can help ease an upset stomach and replace nutrients.  You can also eat crackers, boiled potatoes, and gelatin to help soothe an upset stomach.  Add more complex foods such as cereal, fruits, and vegetables once you are able to keep down BRAT foods and chicken soup.  Be gentle on your stomach, especially if you’re nauseous, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Dairy, fatty or fried foods, or spicy dishes may exacerbate your symptoms. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold. Avoiding these products while you are sick may make you feel better and reduce the duration of your symptoms. Ensuring that you’re getting sufficient rest is an important part of feeling well enough to get through your day. You can take naps or even just sit quietly to give your body rest.  Take naps during the day and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Both an make it much easier to get through the day if you’re sick. Sleep in a space that is comfortable, warm, and slightly humid. Use a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier keep the air moist and help alleviate congestion and coughing. Allow a fan to circulate air. You can also open a window if it is not cold outside. If your symptoms persist and resting doesn’t make you able to function through the day, schedule an appointment with the doctor. She can treat your symptoms and may give you medication that can help you function enough to make it through any day.
Take a warm shower or bath. Gargle with saltwater. Reduce your workload. Call in sick. Hydrate properly. Consume chicken soup. Eat the BRAT diet. Steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine. Rest as much as possible. See your doctor.