You’re not alone in feeling unwell, as a tough cold is currently making its way through the UK. Many people are struggling to sleep and some have even called in sick. On a UK Reddit thread, users are sharing their symptoms, which seem strikingly similar.
One person commented, “A lingering, persistent cough absolutely destroys me. It keeps me from sleeping, disturbs everyone around me, and makes public outings uncomfortable.” Another agreed, saying, “The cough is the worst part. I can manage everything else, but the cough keeps me up at night.” Another shared, “It feels like you’re improving during the day, but as soon as night comes, you feel just as bad as before.”
Someone else mentioned, “When I catch a cold, it always hits my sinuses. One of my eyes waters constantly, and the pressure makes my whole face feel like it’s going to explode.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with the common cold. According to the NHS, colds usually last one to two weeks. The main symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough, and feeling tired and generally unwell. If you also have a fever, muscle aches, or a loss of taste or smell, it’s another indicator of a typical cold.
To recover faster, the NHS offers the following advice:
How to Treat a Cold:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Eat nutritious meals and avoid junk food.
• Gargle with salt water to ease a sore throat (not suitable for children).
• Drink hot water with lemon and honey to soothe your throat.
• Inhale steam to clear a blocked nose by sitting in a bathroom with the hot shower running.
• Avoid smoking, as it can worsen your symptoms.
The NHS also cautions, “You can use nasal sprays, but don’t rely on them for more than a week, as this can make your symptoms worse. Be careful with cold and cough medicines if you’re also taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, as you might accidentally take too much medication.”