Every winter, it shows up when we would really like to avoid it: the common cold. So how can we get rid of it as quickly as possible? Some swear by herbal teas, others by vitamins or inhalations. But can we really reduce its duration? Response from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and Medical Director of True Medical, who reveals practical advice for this winter.
Can we really shorten the duration of a cold?
Blocked nose, irritated throat, persistent cough: every winter, the cold affects you and to overcome it, you use the same known and recognized natural remedies. But can we really shorten this infection which often leaves us stuck for several days? For Dr. Gérald Kierzek, the answer is clear: “It is difficult to actually shorten the duration of a cold, which lasts on average 7 to 10 days in adults. As our grandmothers said: 2 weeks with medication and 15 days without!“.
Do natural remedies have a real effect?
In pharmacies, lozenges, sprays and vitamins promise to perk you up and get the virus out of your body more quickly. Yet, according to Dr. Kierzek, “viral infection follows a natural cycle of incubation, rise and then regression of symptoms. Natural remedies, such as vitamin C or zinc, can reduce the duration slightly, especially if they are started quickly at the first symptoms. Inhalations, honey and good hydration relieve symptoms but do not speed up healing“.
In other words, while these actions may provide comfort, they do not really shorten the duration of the illness. The body must put in place its natural defenses before regaining balance.
When the “common cold” should worry you…
If the cold remains mild most of the time, certain signs should alert you. “A common cold should cause concern if the symptoms persist beyond 15 to 20 days, if it is accompanied by high fever, intense pain, a cough that does not go away, or breathing difficulties, signaling a risk of complications (sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia). This can become a bacterial superinfection“.
It is therefore better to remain attentive and not hesitate to consult if the condition worsens.
How to avoid colds this winter?
The doctor recalls that “to prevent colds this winter, barrier gestures remain essential“. He provides some actions to adopt:
- Wash your hands frequently;
- Avoid close contact with sick people;
- Hydrate yourself sufficiently;
- Cover yourself outside;
- Strengthen your immunity with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables;
- Make sure you get quality sleep and good stress management.
Our expert concludes with an important reminder: “And always: the common cold is viral and antibiotics have no effectiveness on them“.