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Helps most (S and A tier)
- I am doing a saline nasal rinse with boiled-and-cooled or sterile water.
- I sip warm water through the day.
- I am having warm rasam, soup or other warm fluids.
- I am resting and sleeping enough.
Comfort only (B and C tier)
- I take steam (plain hot water, carefully, away from children).
- I drink turmeric milk at night.
- I rub Vicks or balm around or inside my nose.
Please avoid (F tier)
- I started antibiotics on my own, or used leftover ones.
- I have used a decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 to 5 days.
When it may be more than a cold
- Symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, or got better and then worse.
- Thick coloured mucus with facial pain or pressure.
- High fever, swelling around the eye, severe headache or a stiff neck.
What your ticks may mean
Saline, fluids and rest support recovery. Antibiotics do not treat viral colds, and taking them without a prescription can add to antibiotic resistance. Decongestant sprays used beyond a few days can make the nose block back worse.
See a doctor promptly if
You ticked anything in the last section, a child is unusually drowsy or breathless, or you are not improving after 10 days. Swelling around the eye, severe headache or a stiff neck need same-day care.