There is no proven way to cure a cold in 24 hours, but acting quickly with home remedies, rest, and certain treatments can help you feel better as soon as possible and may potentially shorten the duration of symptoms[1].
- Rest: Give your body a chance to recover by sleeping as much as possible. Avoid exertion, strenuous exercise, work, or school if possible[2][4].
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, herbal teas, and clear broths help prevent dehydration and thin out mucus. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks as they can worsen dehydration[2][3][5][7].
- Take over-the-counter medicines if needed: Pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), antihistamines, throat lozenges, decongestants, or expectorants can help relieve symptoms but will not cure the cold[1][4][7].
- Use natural remedies for symptom relief:
- Gargle with warm salt water to relieve a sore throat[5][6][7].
- Drink warm liquids (tea with honey, chicken soup, lemon water) to soothe your throat and congestion[3][5][6].
- Inhale steam from a shower or humidifier to ease nasal congestion[3][5].
- Apply a mentholated salve under your nose for comfort[3].
- Try honey for cough (but never give honey to children under 1 year)[5][6].
- Consider supplements:
- Vitamin C may modestly shorten the duration if taken regularly, but is less effective once symptoms appear[2].
- Zinc lozenges may reduce the length and severity of symptoms if started within 24 hours of onset[6].
- Probiotics may help support immune function, though effects will not be immediate[2][6].
- Keep your environment comfortable: Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep room air moist[3][5]. Avoid cold and damp places[4].
While these steps can help you feel better quickly, most colds will last 7–10 days. There is no actual cure that will eliminate the virus within 24 hours[1][2][5]. If symptoms worsen, last more than 10 days, or include a high fever, severe headache, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention[5].
References
- [1] How to Get Rid of a Cold in 24 Hours? – BuzzRx
- [2] How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast – Healthline
- [3] 14 All-Natural Home Remedies for Fast Cold & Flu Relief – WebMD
- [4] 5 Things to do in the First 24 Hours of a Cold or Flu
- [5] Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt – Mayo Clinic
- [6] How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast: 9 Home Remedies to Try – GoodRx
- [7] How to treat the common cold at home – MedlinePlus
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