But after a few days of pain, you might start to wonder: Am I really getting better? The good news is, there are some telltale signs that your body is shaking off the cold. If you’re tired of feeling like a human tissue dispenser and wondering if the end is just around the corner, here are some clues that you’re on the mend and on your way back to your healthy, wonderful self.
6 signs your cold is getting better
Getting over a cold can feel like it takes forever. If you’ve been wondering if you’ve got a cold, here are some signs to let you know you’re getting closer to feeling normal again.
1. Mucus color changes
Coughing up something yellow or green? This is a sure sign of illness. When a virus infects your body, it immediately sends immune cells to fight the foreign invader. “These immune cells go directly to the site of infection, usually your nose and sinuses, where mucus forms,” Dr. Lee says. “As the battle begins, more and more immune cells accumulate in the mucus, which changes the color from clear to white (the mucus can even turn yellow or green if the infection progresses).”
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Tracking the color of your mucus can also tell you when your condition is improving. Once “the color starts to change back to clear,” Dr. Lee says, that’s a sign “that your immune system is winning and the cold is easing.”
2. You no longer have a fever
Whenever you have a cold or fever, know that your body is busy fighting the virus. “Infections can trigger fever because high temperatures help the immune system kill viruses,” Dr. Li said. So while fevers and chills are less pleasant, they are a sign that your body’s defenses are functioning properly.
Another good sign? When your fever goes down. “This is because your immune system is winning the battle,” Dr. Lee says.
3. Your body pain disappears
If fever, cough, and stuffy nose don’t bother you, muscle aches and pains will. “Body pain during viral infection is caused by inflammatory cytokines, which are special virus-killing proteins released by immune cells,” Dr. Li said. Again, while these symptoms are bad in the short term, they are evidence that your immune system is functioning properly.
When your pain starts to go away, that means your cold is over. “When the virus is eliminated, your immune cells turn off the cytokines and your body pain goes away,” Dr. Li said.
4. Alleviation of other symptoms
Common cold symptoms like congestion, coughing, and runny nose are the body’s way of defending itself. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital says that every time you breathe in bacteria, it triggers a protective response in the lining of your nose and sinuses. This causes inflammation and increased secretions, leading to a stuffy or runny nose typical of a cold. “Sinus and airway congestion [also] It can cause irritation and sneezing,” said Dr. Lee.
“When the virus is killed, the stimulus is reduced,” he said. This means your congestion, cough, runny nose or sneezing will be relieved and you’ll be one step closer to feeling like your new best.
5. You sleep better
One of the worst symptoms of a cold: poor sleep quality. “When you have respiratory and sinus irritation, fever, and body aches from the cold virus, it can be difficult to fall asleep,” says Dr. Lee. Fortunately, this lack of sleep doesn’t last long. After a few days, you’ll start to notice that you can sleep longer without waking up with a sore throat (or cough) or difficulty breathing through your nose.
“As your body clears the virus, these symptoms will subside and your sleep will begin to improve,” Dr. Lee says.
6. You have more energy
There’s a reason why you feel weak when you have a cold. “Your body’s response to a viral infection is to force you to rest, which depletes your energy,” Dr. Lee says. “Cytokines released by the immune system can also contribute to fatigue.”
Once your cold is over, you’ll want to spend less time in bed. get yours charm Coming back is a clue that you’ve turned the corner. “When you recover from a cold, your energy returns because you are returning to a normal, healthy state,” says Dr. Lee.
How long does a cold usually last?
Typically, a common cold lasts 7 to 10 days, but it can last up to two weeks. According to UnityPoint Health, most common colds follow a predictable schedule and progress in three stages:
First stage: This is the early stage of a cold, between the first and third days. You start to experience symptoms but can still function just fine.
Second stage: The active stage of a cold, from the fourth to the seventh day. This is when you feel your worst. In addition to symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and cough, you may also experience body aches, fatigue, and a low-grade fever.
The third stage: The late stage of a cold is from the 7th to the 10th day. Your symptoms will improve or may disappear completely.
How long is the contagious period of a cold?
According to the NHS, colds can be spread as long as symptoms are present. But it’s possible to spread the infection even before symptoms appear. This is because it can take a few days after exposure to the virus before you start to feel sick. All things considered, most people will be contagious within a week or two.
According to the NHS, even if you are contagious, you can still reduce the risk of spreading a cold with some simple strategies:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- Use a tissue to catch germs when you cough or sneeze (and throw away used tissues as soon as possible)
- Avoid sharing towels or household items with others
According to the NHS, germs can survive on surfaces for 24 hours (some even longer), so disinfecting frequently touched areas of your home such as light switches, door handles and sinks can also help prevent the virus from spreading to people in your home. Home.
How to relieve cold symptoms at the same time
Most colds are viral. That said, medications like antibiotics are useless, so you’ll just have to let the cold run its course. (If you have an infection, such as a sinus infection, you’ll need antibiotics.) However, there are things you can do to make yourself more comfortable as you get through it. Here are some proven tips for treating cold symptoms.
1. Stay hydrated: According to Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, warm fluids (think: tea, warm water with lemon, or broth) can soothe a scratchy throat, prevent dehydration, and relieve congestion. Alternatively, suck on ice chips to temporarily numb a sore throat and keep you hydrated.
2. Cover your throat: According to Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, drinking some tea or hot water with lemon and honey can relieve a sore throat.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Dr. Lee says aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve headaches and body aches.
4.Drink some chicken soup: “Research shows that the protein in chicken soup can help calm inflammation in the body,” says Dr. Lee.
5. Rinse your mouth with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help reduce sore throat and swelling. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, add 1 teaspoon of salt to every cup of warm water and swish your mouth around for a few seconds at a time.
6. Use a humidifier: According to Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, dry air can worsen a sore throat, so adding some moisture to the air can help. No humidifier? no problem. Simply place a shallow bowl near a heat source. As the water evaporates, the room will slowly become humid.
7. Rest: When you are sick, your body usually needs more sleep. “Stay in bed and let your body use up energy to fight the infection,” says Dr. Lee.
When to see a doctor
Getting a cold is no fun. But in most cases, this is only a temporary inconvenience. With home remedies, you can usually treat a cold without going to the doctor. And, after a week or two, you should be (mostly) symptom-free or at least on the road to recovery.
But if your cold lasts longer than two weeks, or your symptoms are severe, you may be dealing with a more serious infection. According to Dr. Lee, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- High fever (which won’t go away with aspirin)
- Coughing and producing dark phlegm
- You are unable to control fluids (i.e. vomiting or diarrhea to the point of dehydration)
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