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SALT LAKE CITY — Some people are genetically inclined to catch a cold, a new study says.
According to researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, a person's telomere — a compound structure at the end of a DNA chromosome — length is associated with the risk of infection.
Telomeres shorten each time a cell divides. Older people are more likely to have short telomeres.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Whether or not your DNA makes you more likely to catch a cold, what do you do once you've caught it? Below are five tips for getting well.
Use a humidifier, take steamy showers
Humidifiers and steamy showers can help soothe dry sinuses. Nurse Suzy recommends adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water or ½ teaspoon of Vicks drops to a warm humidifier.
Get hydrated and stay that way
Related:
Mommy Medicine: Home remedies for treating the common cold
Viruses referred to as "the common cold" become quite common in the United States in the months between early autumn and late spring.Flush your body of infection and secretions by drinking plenty of fluids. The liquids will help mucous membranes keep moist and stop a cough, according to WebMD.
Drink warm tea and honey
Soothe a sore throat and cough by brewing some herbal tea (ginger and echinacea are good options for colds).
Another liquid solution for a sore throat? Gargle some salt and water or astringents.
Catch some Zzz's
Get some rest and give your body a chance to fight off the virus.
Staying rested in general can decrease the likelihood of catching a cold, a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine said.
Get some medicine
Over-the-counter medications like Mucinex DM, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Theraflu can keep your sick body more comfortable.
Be careful with some medications though, Nurse Suzy writes.
"Use caution when taking Nyquil, as it should not be taken with certain medications you may be prescribed for other ailments. It can also become addicting."
