Cough, runny nose and sore throat. What can you do about it?

You can hardly avoid colds, especially in the cold winter months. But right now, in times of Corona, cold symptoms such as coughs and runny nose are particularly troublesome. Usually you don't know with certainty whether it is a harmless cold or whether it could be an infection with the corona virus.

The most important points in brief:

• Many cold symptoms can be relieved with simple home remedies.
• The multiple symptoms make it difficult to differentiate between flu and COVID-19.
• A strong immune system protects us from colds or allows us to recover faster.

What symptoms can occur with a cold and why?

The airways are divided into the upper airways with the nose, sinuses and throat. The lower airways include the larynx, windpipe, bronchi, and lungs.

A cold usually begins with an upper respiratory infection. This can be a runny nose with watery secretion, a scratchy throat or an urge to cough. The cause is usually a virus that invades when the immune system is unable to fight it off. The secretion in the nose or throat is supposed to flush out the viruses. These initial symptoms change within a few days and usually “wander” further, up or down. The cold begins to develop downwards, for example, with a scratchy throat, then there is a sore throat with or without an urge to cough and then turns into a cough with strong mucus. An ascending cold can start with a watery runny nose, then it comes to thick mucus and develops into a frontal sinus infection. Fever is not uncommon. However, if you intervene at the first sign, you don't have to develop persistent symptoms.

These home remedies and remedies help against colds

A herb is grown against many cold symptoms. For example, Icelandic moss and mallow extract help relieve coughs, sore throats and hoarseness with their secretion-thinning effect - for example in the form of pastilles or syrup. Sage and chamomile have an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes and are beneficial as a gargle solution or tea for the irritated mucous membrane of the mouth and throat . Echinacea extracts are said to relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of a cold.

The kitchen also has some «remedies» to offer. Quark compresses, for example, help very well with sore throats. A sliced ​​onion on the bedside table doesn't smell very pleasant, but the released essential oils are very beneficial for coughs and runny nose.

Mild feverish conditions can often be "sweated out" with a lot of warmth. A lot of bed warmth supplemented with a sweaty tea made from elderberry and linden blossom often works wonders

But how can I prevent colds?

A strong immune system reduces the susceptibility to colds. You can do that with a healthy lifestyle. These include:

• Lots of exercise in the fresh air - all year round.
• A balanced diet. This provides many vitamins and minerals. In times of increased need, vitamin preparations can provide good support.
• Drink a lot. Mucous membranes that are sufficiently hydrated are more robust and less prone to infections - so drink at least two liters of water or tea a day.
• Deceleration. Sufficient moments of relaxation during the day and good sleep help to balance out stress.

Do I have the flu or do I have an infection with the corona virus?

The FOPH names a variety of symptoms of an infection with Covid-19. Accordingly, the most common symptoms are: sore throat, cough (usually dry), shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, sudden loss of the sense of smell and / or taste. The following symptoms are also possible: headache, general weakness, malaise, muscle pain, runny nose but also gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or rashes. This variety of symptoms makes it difficult to distinguish it from flu. The rather slow course, i.e. worsening over several days, is very typical of the corona infection. The flu, on the other hand, develops very quickly and within a few hours the patient is so exhausted that he has to stay in bed. The sudden loss of the sense of taste and smell is also typical of Covid-19 patients. If a corona infection is suspected, a doctor's practice should be contacted by phone in order to determine the further steps such as a laboratory test. With all cold symptoms, it is advisable to avoid contact with other people in order to protect them from possible pathogens.

These tips will help with uncomplicated, no longer lasting cold symptoms. More severe symptoms or chronic courses must be clarified and treated by a doctor.