Why feed a fever

GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links above. Sinus and nasal congestion. In fact, they probably heard the phrase from their grandparents, and theirs before them, since the adage has been traced all the way back to And is it a myth, or is there some truth to it?

Colds are caused by viruses and may result in a number of unpleasant symptoms — including a stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat and, very occasionally, fever.

One of the most important steps in helping to treat cold and flu symptoms, including fever, is to keep up your fluid intake to help prevent dehydration. A healthy and strong immune system can help to protect you from cold and flu viruses in the first place. Vitamin C is vital for immune function — as well as bone structure, iron absorption and healthy skin. This important vitamin is found in many healthy foods — including citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables and tomatoes.

There are some at-home remedies you can do to relieve your symptoms. You can:. When you stay hydrated, your body has the ability to flush more germs out of its system. Make sure you drink more fluids than you usually would as you recover. Chicken soup is also a delicious way to stay hydrated while allowing the warm broth to relieve your symptoms. Sleeping helps strengthen your immune system and prepare it to fight off viruses like the cold and flu.

By adding moisture to the air, it can help you breathe in the vapor and reduce your congestion. Honey has antiviral properties that can relieve symptoms of a cold and flu.

Honey also has properties that can prevent the growth of small organisms in our system. Certain oils contain menthol, and menthol can help clear any congestion you might have. Caffeine enhances dehydration. So does alcohol, and it is also a depressant, holding us down. What about some other common conceptions for beating colds and fevers, such as eating chicken soup? The warm vapor rising from the bowl can also moisten and loosen dried mucus.

The same goes for vapor from hot tea, with or without lemon or honey. Supplements are dubious at best. The data from studies about taking vitamin C are inconclusive, as they are for zinc. Solid studies of echinacea show no benefit. They can relieve symptoms but they do not kill off viruses or bacteria. Cold and fever germs usually run their course, and the immune system eventually gets the upper hand.

In the meantime, drink drink drink. And sleep as much as you can, to give your body the rest it needs to fight the good fight. Mark Fischetti is a senior editor at Scientific American. He covers all aspects of sustainability. Vomiting and diarrhea, two common symptoms of the flu, also quickly dehydrate the body.

Dehydration makes the mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs dry up, which can lead to clogged sinuses and respiratory tubes. Replacing fluids is critical to helping the body battle the virus. Water works just fine, as do fruit juices and electrolyte beverages. If you feel nauseated, try taking small sips of liquids, as gulps might cause you to throw up. However, you should avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol, because caffeine and alcohol both contribute to dehydration.

And while nothing can cure a cold or the flu, some remedies can ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable. For starters, frequent hand washing is one of the best things you can do to avoid catching whatever bugs might be going around. The key to making it count is using lots of soapy water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.

If you're in a public restroom, use a paper towel instead of your bare hand when you touch the door handle. At home, you should regularly disinfect doorknobs with Lysol spray or disinfectant wipes. And don't forget about your germy computer keyboard and mobile phone. It's a good idea to regularly run a disinfectant wipe over those keys and your phone. Taking in warm liquids such as chicken soup, hot tea with lemon or honey , or warm apple juice can be soothing and the warm vapor rising from the bowl or cup can ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.

Chicken soup is everyone's favorite, but it's not a miracle cure. It does provide needed calories and salt, as well as some nutritional benefits. Chicken soup is also generally easy on the stomach.

Gargling with salt water helps get rid of the thick mucus that can collect at the back of the throat, especially after you've been lying down. It can also help ease stuffy ears. Please note that children younger than 6 years old will be unlikely to be able to gargle properly.

You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges, or hard candy.