How to Manage Cold? Medically Approved Home Remedies!

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This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

Overview

The first tickle in your throat and that telltale nose sniffle tells you what’s coming – it’s a cold – that uninvited guest throwing a germ-filled party in your body. While there’s no while there is no way to immediately eliminate a cold, there are strategies to help manage symptoms and support your recovery. Let’s delve into how to get rid of a cold and a few natural home remedies.

Understanding Causes of Cold

To vanquish an enemy, first, you must understand its tactics. Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. These crafty viruses spread through infected droplets coughed, sneezed, or breathed into the air. This is why washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing are your first lines of defence.

The common cold (often shortened to “a cold”) is a condition which resolves spontaneously, with or without specific medical management. Symptoms are usually mild and consist of; stuffiness in the nasal passageways with mucus discharge, sneezing, a sore throat, coughing and/or feeling general “under the weather” (with children feeling irritable and “not their normal self”, such as loss of appetite). Children can sometimes get a fever (38°C or higher), but this is more unusual with adults.

The incubation period of an illness is defined as the period of time between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms. For colds, there is a short incubation period of 48-72 hours. On average, an adult can experience 3 colds a year. It is quite normal for preschool and primary school aged children to have up to 8 colds each year.

Symptoms of a cold will last approximately 7 days in adults and up to 14 days in children. However, the cough symptom can linger several weeks longer, and individuals can continue to pass the virus onto others during this time.

How to Manage of a Cold

Sadly, there’s no magic potion to erase a cold overnight. The key is supporting your body’s tireless immune response while making the ordeal as bearable as possible. Here’s your survival toolkit:

1. Rest, Rest, Rest

Your body is fighting a war, so treat it like a wounded soldier. Sleep and downtime are crucial for immune function. Cancel what you can, snuggle up, and don’t feel guilty about those midday naps.

Rest is an effective choice of management for the cold, although continuing with normal day-to-day activities is not thought to prolong the duration of symptoms. There is no need for children to be excluded from school / daycare unless they are feverish, as they will require close monitoring at home.

2. Fluids

Fluids are your allies. Water, herbal teas, and broths thin the mucous, ease congestion, and soothe a scratchy throat. Chamomile tea is a gentle soother, while ginger adds a kick to boost circulation. Warm fluids before bed can also help you fall asleep more easily.

Unless you have been otherwise advised against it by your doctor, drinking more than usual non-alcoholic fluids can help to thin mucus, making it easier to clear, and can help soothe a sore throat.

3. Steam

Create your steam room. Hot showers or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water (with a towel over your head) work wonders. Warm, moist air loosens mucous and relieves that “can’t breathe” feeling.

Intranasal decongestants can ease breathing and consequently improve sleep; however prolonged use may cause a phenomenon called “rebound congestion” (worsening of nasal congestion). Instead, nasal saline drops could be trialled and/or steam inhalation may help to relieve symptoms (such as sitting in the bathroom with a running hot shower). Vapour rubs may soothe breathing symptoms when applied to the chest and/or back.

4. Honey Powerhouse

Nature’s golden remedy is a delicious weapon against a sore throat. Honey has mild antibacterial properties and a soothing coat that eases irritation. Enjoy a spoonful plain, stir it into warm water or tea, or make soothing lozenges by combining honey with lemon and ginger.

A warm drink of honey and lemon can also be just as effective for cough and sore throat symptoms but should not be given to children under the age of 1.

5. Sore Throat Soothers

That scratchy, burning feeling in your throat can be miserable. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to ease inflammation. Throat lozenges with natural ingredients like licorice root or slippery elm can offer temporary numbing relief and extra moisture.

6. Aromatherapy Oils

Essential oils can be a fragrant friend during a cold. Diffusing a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can help clear congestion and uplift your mood. Just be sure to use a diffuser designed for essential oils, and dilute them properly with water to avoid irritation.

7. Spicy Food

While spicy food won’t cure your cold, the capsaicin in chilli peppers can provide temporary relief. That fiery kick loosens mucus and can make breathing a little easier.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a doctor or medical practitioner before attempting home remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

Cough and Cold Medicine for Kids and During Pregnancy

Simple over the counter pain relief can help with symptomatic relief, but in preschool aged children this should be reserved only for when the child has a fever and/or appears distressed due to their symptoms. During pregnancy, certain medicines should generally be avoided, due to risks of harm to the foetus.

There are various products available over-the-counter from pharmacies which are advertised as “cold and flu remedies”. In general, these should not be used because medical research & clinical data has not demonstrated clear advantageous benefit of these remedies & they may contain ingredients which could cause harm (particularly in children and pregnant ladies).

Cough medicines/syrups also have limited proven benefit but are usually safe and may be useful for cough symptoms in adults and children over 6 years of age. Adults could also try gargling with salt water.

Cold Myths: Debunking Ineffective Remedies

When you’re miserable, it’s easy to fall for quick-fix promises. But save your energy (and money) by avoiding these unhelpful tactics:

• The Vitamin C Conundrum: While vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, mega doses won’t make your cold disappear once symptoms hit.
• Antibiotics Aren’t the Answer: These weapons only combat bacteria, not viruses. Unnecessary antibiotic use fuels dangerous antibiotic resistance. It is a common misconception that antibiotics are required to treat colds (especially as the nasal discharge changes from clear to darker in colour), but this would be unusual medical practice as antibiotics are only able to treat bacterial infections, and most colds are caused by viruses.

Note: Hola Health does not prescribe antibiotics.

• Zinc Lozenges: The hype around zinc for colds started because some studies suggested it might shorten the duration of symptoms. However, the evidence is mixed. The type of zinc, the dosage, and how early you start using it seem to influence whether it makes any difference. While they likely won’t hurt most people, they can cause nausea and an unpleasant metallic taste.
• Echinacea: This herbal supplement is widely marketed for cold prevention and management. But research has shown very little if any, actual benefit. It’s relatively safe for short-term use in healthy people, but it can interact with certain medications, so always talk to your online doctor before trying it.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Most colds are self-limiting, meaning they run their course in a week or two. However, certain red flags signal it’s time for professional help:

• High fever that won’t break, worsening symptoms, or severe pain
• Trouble breathing or persistent cough
• Cold hanging on for more than two weeks
• Underlying health conditions that make you more vulnerable to complications
• Signs of dehydration or severe illness, particularly in young children and those with chronic conditions

If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED). This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness.

How Hola health May help

Telehealth doctors are an effective way to get a review by a health professional. They can diagnose, advise, and even prescribe medications if needed. It’s a win-win: you get care and avoid the need and risk of sitting in a shared waiting room. Get a Telehealth doctor’s appointment in few minutes to combat cold.

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Doctor certificate online — if clinically appropriate for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists – or in-person services when needed
• Instant scripts online (if clinically appropriate)
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest.

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.