Colds and viruses tend to hit people during the winter months.  Experts say it has nothing to do with the weather itself, but that people’s immune systems are generally lower during the winter and it makes us more prone to illness.

Here are 7 tips for sending the common cold packing quickly!

1.  An oldie… but goodie – eat chicken soup!  There are many reasons why eating chicken soup when you are sick is useful.  First, the broth soothes a sore throat.  The warm  liquid helps break up mucus and flush it away. Some research has shown that chicken soup may even reduce inflammation and slow mucus production!

2. Get enough rest.  How often do you go with less sleep than you know you need?  When your sick, your body needs rest more than anything else to recover.  As a general rule, people who sleep seven hours or more on a regular basis will have stronger immune systems than someone who only sleeps four hours – so make it a point to give your body the rest it needs to power off germs.

3. Gargle with warm salt water.  The warm water will flush mucus that is draining in your throat (eew) and the water helps hydrate the cells in your throat.  Dry throat cells are less effective at keeping germs out of the respiratory tract – and you don’t want an upper respiratory infection, do you?!

4. Eat breakfast (even at lunch time).  Breakfast foods are high in vitamins and minerals and help the body fight infection. Orange juice and oranges are high in vitamin C, which are also beneficial when you’re under the weather.

5. Use throat sprays and cough drops that contain zinc.  Zinc is thought to help prevent cold viruses from reproducing.

6. Drink hot tea. Tea contains catechins, which may help your immune system spring into action against viruses. Harvard University researchers discovered that tea drinkers have immune system responses that are FIVE TIMES faster than coffee drinkers.

7. Treat the symptoms you have with over the counter medications.  Why do some people feel the need to “suffer” or “wait it out”?  Feeling bad isn’t going to help you recover sooner.  If a cough keeps you up at night, get a cough suppresant that will allow you to get the much needed sleep you need.  If your body aches, use a pain reliever to get some relief and comfort while your body repairs itself.