Winter is coming, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. It seems like everyone around us is coughing, sneezing, and sniffling, making it easy to catch their germs.

And once we come down with a cold, it can be difficult to shake off and get back to our daily routine. That’s why it’s important to have some quick and easy remedies on hand to fight the cold before it gets the best of us. Here are 10 remedies you can try:.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

One of the simplest and most effective ways to beat a cold is by staying hydrated.

Drinking lots of fluids, such as water, juice, and herbal tea, helps keep the body hydrated and thins out mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear out of your system. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body and make symptoms worse.

2. Get plenty of rest

When you’re sick, your body needs rest to heal and recover. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, and avoid overexerting yourself. If you’re feeling tired or weak, take some time off from work or other activities to give your body a chance to recuperate.

3. Use a humidifier

Dry air can make it harder to breathe and aggravate cold symptoms. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or living space can help add moisture to the air, relieve congestion, and soothe a dry throat and cough.

Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

4. Take a hot shower or bath

Stepping into a steamy shower or bath can help relax your body, soothe sore muscles, and relieve congestion. The hot water also helps thin out mucus and make it easier to clear out of your system.

Add some eucalyptus oil or other essential oils to help clear nasal passages and calm your senses.

5. Eat foods that boost your immune system

When you’re sick, it’s important to fuel your body with nutritious foods that can help boost your immune system. Some good options include citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, garlic, ginger, and chicken soup.

These foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help speed up the healing process and fight off infections.

6. Use a neti pot or saline spray

A neti pot is a small teapot-like device that you fill with saline solution and pour through your nasal passages. This can help clear out mucus and congestion, reduce inflammation, and relieve sinus pressure.

If you don’t have a neti pot, you can use a saline nasal spray instead.

7. Gargle with salt water

When you have a sore throat, gargling with salt water can help soothe the pain and reduce inflammation. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, and spit it out. Repeat several times a day as needed.

8. Take over-the-counter medications

If your symptoms are particularly bothersome, over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain, reduce fever, and relieve congestion.

Some options include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, decongestants to reduce nasal congestion, and cough suppressants or expectorants to alleviate coughing.

9. Use essential oils

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil can help relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, and fight off infections. You can diffuse these oils in a diffuser, add a few drops to a hot bath, or dab a bit on your chest or temples.

Make sure to use high-quality, pure essential oils and dilute them properly to avoid skin irritation.

10. Practice good hygiene

The best defense against colds and flu is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, avoid touching your face, and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Stay away from sick people and disinfect commonly-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches, to prevent the spread of germs.