There's nothing stylish about cold

Filed in archive Health and Fitness on January 4, 2007

This year, like so many others I forgot to get vaccinated against flu. Which I regret now that I'm feeling a bit down, like I'm going to get a cold if you know the feeling. As it is a bit too late to get vaccinated now I already caught the nasty virus, I surfed the web to search for some other remedy, and you know what? There is no cure for flu or cold.

As the Cochrane Review states, studies have shown that all the Echinacea, antihistamines, humidified air and antibiotics cannot help you speed up getting over a cold. And don't you even think about buying any mumbo-jumbo herbal supplements, as no one can say for sure what they are made of and how your body might react to it.

What is a girl to do to get over a cold? First of all, stay in bed and drink a lot of fluids. Eat spicy food, as hot as you can tolerate, as some studies show that such foods help keep the nose breathable. chicken soup helps too, although scientists can't tell you why. My theory is that it reminds us of our mother's love and makes us psychologically stronger.

Also, this might be a good time to pamper yourself a bit. If you're not in agony with excruciating headache, you might enjoy hot baths and vanilla scented body lotions. Stay warm and comfortable, keep stress at minimum levels, lights dim and sleep as much as you can.

That's about it, and oh yes, remember to get vaccinated next year.