People sometimes have trouble describing how they feel when they are sick. Try asking about specific symptoms (for example, “Do you have a headache?” or “Is your throat sore?”).
Call your loved one’s doctor if their temperature is 103° F (39. 4° C) or higher. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If they have a fever that is accompanied by severe headache, skin rash, stiff neck, mental confusion, unusual sensitivity to light, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, pain when urinating, or seizures, seek immediate medical assistance. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Be considerate—don’t check in so often that they can’t get any rest! It doesn’t hurt to ask how often they would like you to check in. If they are sleeping or trying to get to sleep, don’t bother them. If they are taking medication for their cold symptoms, check the directions on the bottle to find out how often to give them a new dose. If it’s getting close to time for the next dose, it may be a good idea to check in and see if they would like to take some more.
Try an over-the-counter saline spray. Saline sprays can help clean out and soothe the nasal passages. [4] X Expert Source David Nazarian, MDDiplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. Use a cool-mist vaporizer or a humidifier to increase the humidity in the room where your significant other is resting. Extra moisture in the air is soothing and can help clear out congestion. [5] X Expert Source David Nazarian, MDDiplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. Over-the-counter decongestants and cold medications can offer some relief. Be sure to follow the package directions carefully.
Dissolve 1⁄4–1⁄2 teaspoon (1. 2–2. 5 mL) of salt in warm water and ask them to gargle it. Very hot or very cold liquids and foods can also soothe a sore or scratchy throat. Offer them hot tea with honey and lemon, ice chips, or an ice pop. Try over-the-counter cough drops or throat sprays containing menthol or numbing agents.
Coughing is the body’s natural way of getting mucous out of the lungs. Only give your significant other a cough suppressant if the cough is causing them pain.
Never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18 unless you are instructed to do so by a physician. In rare cases, children and teenagers can have a dangerous and potentially fatal reaction to aspirin. [11] X Research source
Before giving your significant other acetaminophen, make sure they have not recently taken another medication that contains acetaminophen in order to avoid an accidental overdose. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, so it’s important to check for it in the ingredient labels of all over-the-counter medications before taking them. [13] X Expert Source David Nazarian, MDDiplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
Alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda can make dehydration worse and interfere with sleep. Chicken soup is a traditional cold remedy that is hydrating, nourishing, soothing on the throat, and easy on the stomach. Hot broth can also help loosen up congestion and clear stuffy nasal passages. Try this simple and comforting recipe for chicken soup.
Put on a favorite movie or TV show. Play music they enjoy. Bring them books or magazines to read. If they are feeling too sick to focus on reading, offer to read to them or play an audio book. Offer your company and conversation.
Ask your significant other for permission to contact their doctor. If you aren’t married, you may not be able to receive information about their medical history from their doctor, but you can still get their advice on what to do. If their fever gets higher than 101. 3 °F (38. 5 °C), contact their doctor.
A cold can turn into bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be serious if they aren’t treated promptly. Bring them to an emergency room if they’re having serious difficulty breathing or are getting lightheaded.
You can go to an emergency room if you can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.
