Tips for Common Colds
As the seasons change in the Black Hills, we start seeing more sniffles, scratchy throats, and tissues tucked into jacket pockets. The common cold is, well… common. But when you’re tired, congested, and just want to feel better, it can still be miserable.
At Fireside DPC, we’re all about supporting your body’s natural healing. Here are some simple, evidence-based ways to ease symptoms and help your body recover well.
As always: this is general information, not personal medical advice. If you’re a Fireside member, reach out anytime — we’re here to help you decide what’s right for your body.
1. Rest is Not Optional — It’s Treatment
Your body is doing real work fighting off a virus. That fatigue you feel is your body asking for quieter rhythms. Give yourself permission to:
Go to bed earlier
Cancel not-urgent obligations
Take things slower
Guilt-free rest is medicine.
2. Hydration Helps Your Body Clear the Virus
Fluids thin mucus and keep your throat comfortable. Warm beverages are especially soothing.
Some favorites:
Warm water with lemon and honey
Herbal tea (ginger, chamomile, peppermint). Traditional Medicinals “throat coat” is great here.
Broth or miso soup
If your urine is pale yellow, you’re hydrating well.
3. Honey for Cough (A Favorite — Unless Under Age 1)
A spoonful of honey can calm a nighttime cough better than many over-the-counter syrups. Try:
A teaspoon before bed
Stirred into warm tea
Important: Never give honey to children under 1 year old.
4. Saline & Steam for Congestion
Simple and effective:
Saline nasal spray to rinse and loosen congestion
A warm steamy shower before bed
A humidifier in your bedroom at night
This supports breathing and helps you sleep more comfortably.
5. When Over-the-Counter Medicine Makes Sense
You don’t need to treat the cold itself — just symptoms if they’re affecting sleep or hydration.
Helpful options:
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/body aches
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) to loosen mucus
Dextromethorphan for cough (if needed)
If you're not sure which is appropriate for you, just ask us — we’ll guide you.
6. What Doesn’t Help
Antibiotics do not treat colds (they treat bacteria, not viruses)
Vitamin megadosing doesn't cure colds (though zinc may help shorten symptoms if started early — ask us for dosing guidance)
7. When to Reach Out
Most colds resolve in 7–10 days. Reach out or schedule a visit if you experience:
Fever over 101.5° for more than 72 hours
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Sinus pain or pressure worsening after day 5–7
A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
You just feel “off” in a way that concerns you
We’d rather hear from you early than late — this is what having a relationship with your doctor is for.
Warm Care, Always
You don’t have to tough it out alone. Fireside members can call, text, or message us directly for support, same-day visits, and personalized guidance through sick days.
It’s one of the benefits of care that’s unrushed, personal, and truly yours.
Pull up a chair — your health matters here.
Disclaimer: This post is for general educational purposes and is not personal medical advice. For recommendations tailored to you, please talk with your healthcare provider or reach out to us directly if you're a Fireside member.
