Feeling a cold coming on? Do these 3 things right now

(BPT) - Colds can make you feel run down and miserable. The last thing you want is the coughs, the sneezes and a run-down, foggy head feeling to hang on for weeks on end.

So, that begs the question: What can you do to get through this bug as quickly as possible?

“Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the common cold but there are some things you can do to line up your body’s natural defenses when you first start noticing symptoms,” says Dr. Jake Deutsch M.D., Founder and Clinical Director of Cure Urgent Care in New York City.

What that means is taking action immediately. If you’re feeling sniffly or have a tickle in your throat, it’s time to put a quick plan into motion. Here’s the recipe for relief:

1. Make a date with your pillow: Sleep lets your body rest and heal. Not getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye every night makes you more susceptible to catching a virus. Plus it can prolong your recovery time, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you feel a bug coming on, try an earlier bedtime to make sure you're getting the extra rest you need. And if you feel sleepy and run-down during the day, that’s your body telling you to take a break. Give yourself permission for a quick nap, if your schedule allows.

2. Drink plenty of water: During a cold, your body will need more fluids; in fact, being sick puts you at risk of dehydration. To make sure you’re getting enough, download an app that lets you track how many ounces you’re drinking a day. Think about keeping your favorite teas on hand too, as the hot liquid loosens congestion.

3. Get your dose of zinc: To shorten the duration of your cold, an effective product to try is Zicam^® Cold Remedy RapidMelts^®, available at Walmart. Its clinically proven homeopathic formula taps into the power of your body’s natural defenses to shorten colds. If you want to be better faster, take it at the first sign of a cold.

BONUS TIP … Watch a funny movie: As you’ve probably heard, there’s a link between stress and depressed immune function. On the flip side, laughing triggers increased production of antibodies and T-cells that help fight off infection, according to research described in Science Daily. Streaming a comedy is the perfect pairing with a quiet, restful evening at home to get you on the road to recovery.

“Although it may seem simple, completing these easy steps are the most important things you can do to support your immune system,” says Dr. Deutsch. “Aside from rest and relaxation, the single most proactive thing you can do is to take Zicam at that very first hint of a cold to get better faster.”

To shorten your cold, adopt these healthy habits and turn to clinically proven Zicam^® Cold Remedy. To learn more, visit zicam.com.