What can you eat when you have a cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 13, 2025
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After catching a cold, it is necessary to eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. The diet should be light, soft, and easy to digest. Eat more apples, bananas, and kiwis, and consume more carrots and tomatoes in terms of vegetables. Main food items should primarily include grain-based dishes, and meat consumption should be limited. In terms of medication, mainly choose antiviral drugs and fever and pain relieving drugs. If there is a runny nose, sneezing, or tearing, you can choose to take chlorpheniramine maleate tablets to suppress gland secretion and alleviate symptoms, but it may cause adverse reactions such as drowsiness and fatigue. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long will the symptoms of a cold last?

The duration of cold symptoms varies depending on individual constitution and the type of cold. Generally, a common cold may take three to five days to recover, while influenza could require five to ten days. The specific duration depends on the quantity of the virus and the body's immune capacity. Both influenza and the common cold are viral infections that cause illness, and there are some differences in symptoms. However, the treatment plans are the same, focusing on symptomatic treatment, complemented by antiviral medication, with recommendations to drink plenty of water, rest, and boost metabolism.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What is chill in the context of cold?

Colds caused by exposure to wind are common, so it's advisable to take some cold medicine or drink herbal teas, such as chrysanthemum tea, to alleviate symptoms. It's important to maintain adequate sleep, avoid excessive stress and overheating. If the cold is severe, it is best to visit a local hospital for symptomatic treatment by a doctor rather than self-medicating blindly. In terms of home environment, it’s recommended to avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or fans. Drinking plenty of lukewarm water and eating nutritious foods, such as lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy products, can help boost the immune system. It's also wise to consume less spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to relieve a cold headache without medicine

Firstly, you should drink more water to promote metabolism and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to help restore bodily functions. Avoid eating spicy food such as chili peppers and reduce meat consumption. Measure body temperature, you can massage the temples, or drink more ginger sugar water, which can help relieve headaches. If the body temperature rises, you can use warm water to wipe the palms, soles of the feet, neck, and chest. At the same time, apply a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead. Once the temperature normalizes, the symptoms of cold and headache will gradually improve; there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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Is gastroenteritis contagious?

Gastrointestinal cold is a type of common cold, mainly caused by Coxsackie virus. Its main symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, etc. Gastrointestinal cold is generally non-contagious. A contagious illness is generally referred to as influenza, which is caused by the influenza virus and can lead to widespread outbreaks.

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Quick remedy for children's cold and nasal congestion

Children experiencing nasal congestion due to a cold is mainly because of the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, coupled with an increase in nasal secretions, which leads to the blockage. There isn't a specific effective treatment for children's nasal congestion like there is for adults in the ENT field, which uses medications that quickly shrink the nasal mucosa. These medications can have significant side effects for children, potentially affecting the nasal blood vessels and the normal state of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, if a child is experiencing nasal congestion, it is recommended to visit a hospital where the doctor can provide specific treatment according to the child's condition. Parents should not use adult decongestants on their children without professional advice.