What’s the best way to treat the common cold?

Explore the 4 common categories of cold medicines, and how to choose the right one based on your symptoms.
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From incantations in ancient Egypt, bloodletting in 18th century Europe, to President Coolidge inhaling poisonous chlorine gas in 1924, the common cold has inspired a variety of creative treatments. Today pharmacies are filled with an endless assortment of cold remedies. But how do these products work? And are they effective? Explore the most common categories of cold medicines and their purposes.
Directed by Lippy.
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Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Clarence E. Harper Jr., Vignan Velivela, Ana Maria, Exal Enrique Cisneros Tuch, Tejas Dc, Khalifa Alhulail, Martin Stephen, Jose Henrique Leopoldo e Silva, Mandeep Singh, Abhijit Kiran Valluri, Morgan Williams, Devin Harris, Pavel Zalevskiy, Karen Goepen-Wee, Filip Dabrowski, Barbara Smalley, Megan Douglas, Tim Leistikow, Ka-Hei Law, Hiroshi Uchiyama, Mark Morris, Misaki Sato, EdoKun, SookKwan Loong, Bev Millar, Lex Azevedo, Michael Aquilina, Jason A Saslow, Yansong Li, Cristóbal Moenne, Dawn Jordan, Prasanth Mathialagan, Samuel Doerle, David Rosario, Dominik Kugelmann - they-them, Siamak Hajizadeh, Ryohky Araya, Mayank Kaul, Christophe Dessalles, Heather Slater, Sandra Tersluisen, Zhexi Shan, Bárbara Nazaré, Andrea Feliz, Victor E Karhel, Sydney Evans, Latora, Noel Situ, emily lam and Sid.

[@refactorear]

"Without medication a cold is cured in a week. With medication, in seven days."

[@MAXXlS]

Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.

[@celinhooliveira3716]

@@MAXXlS Every 24 hours in the sea, a day passes on the beach

[@memoweb01]

With those medications described, even more. They help the virus by fighting against the natural response. The only useful thing was the natural remedies, honey, vitamin c and zinc. One may add other things like echinacea, spirulina, astaxantin, etc.

[@josephhatsburg3035]

how does this make sence

[@anohommohona6758]

@refactorear are you Indian ?

[@superpowerdragon]

the best treatment is honestly just rest, unfortunately for some this is a luxury they cant afford

[@edensky5825]

😔

[@pfyzergaming7116]

America

[@nishantsingh7278]

Well said

[@bharat7188]

​@@pfyzergaming7116 It's not just America, everywhere it's the same.

[@dedsussybaka4619]

It is very minor disease but damn annoying

[@Dr.NowIsTheGOAT]

Everyone saying “OmG i’M SiCk rN” as if the people at Ted Talk didn’t have this ready to be uploaded during cold and flu season 😂💀

[@Foxyy01]

Plus the algorithm can know if you're sick if you searched or talked about your sickness

[@FiercelyGold]

So you're the one dude watching this when you're not sick or you just want to make fun of people for pointing out how relevant this video is to them? My man, do you want a cookie? Fair warning, we coughed on it.

[@Dr.NowIsTheGOAT]

@@FiercelyGold are you okay? 😂😭😭 it’s a joke?

[@Lucy-yc4bc]

@@FiercelyGoldbro got offended over something he made up lol

[@johnthegametologist]

Damn.. caught cold right now. I guess the whole affected right now

[@user-qk8nz2ii1b]

1 minute ago I sneezed 15 times and now TED uploading this... Wow

[@xalluniverse9028]

The government must be spying on you

[@salmonsushi47]

Same I have a cold.

[@iAkWACXiLL]

Bro why is this soooooo relatable 💀💀

[@icycup2371]

same i have a cold too what a timing by ted ed

[@icycup2371]

does anyone have any ideas on the origins of allergy which causes frequent sneezing? is it dust or smth else?

[@depressoespresso5904]

i have been just slightly sick for the past two weeks, sick enough to be annoying and a constant feeling of smthn in my throat but not sick enough to get out of work

[@n.o.a.w.3264]

Ugh same. Wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️

[@Absolutely_puck_fakestine]

Omg, no one cares

[@trygveevensen171]

@@Absolutely_puck_fakestine 23 people so far (including me) do

[@Absolutely_puck_fakestine]

@@trygveevensen171 Omg no one cares

[@Zephyr314]

@@Absolutely_puck_fakestine omg nobody asked you

[@umadapuma5644]

It’s like when everyone’s sick, TED-ED swoops in to save the day. 😭

[@evanrosman9226]

MED-Ed

[@flyaroundyourfire]

I am sick right now 😂 Update: I am no longer sick 😂

[@Queerbookwitch]

Me too lol

[@notbrentfaiyaz]

just woke up sick too and saw this😂

[@rashterdeepmalik5446]

Me too 😂😂😂

[@asadshad3774]

Me too😅 It's like ted-ed being more loyal to you than family👪❤.

[@raystacks]

Same I have COVID 😂

[@nathanwalla3504]

It's like TED Talk is listening to my mind.

[@felixlee9645]

uhuh................

[@pmmmAMV]

And remember- ALWAYS look up drug interactions. Lots of antidepressants have severe interactions with cold medications. I was brought up addressing symptoms individually (not using a combo cold medication) but even without that, there's a slew of 'cold and flu' type products I cannot use due to drug interactions.

[@gbpropellerrat4300]

everybody is getting the cold right now lol

[@suhandatanker]

I just caught it an hour ago, ted-ed saving us in clutch fr 💀

[@Donari]

i was too bad this video came out like 5 days too late

[@chrischant]

Kids back in school = viruses travel far and wide

[@StuckInALockerRoom]

I’m not 😭

[@TRYIYPY]

Said a living organism in the cenozoic era, millions of years since the first cold 😭

[@dagamerking]

One home remedies I use to help ease congestion in particular from inflammation and mucus in the nose and chest is capsaicin! Essentially, I eat spicy food. Capsaicin has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase hydration of the mucus lining.

[@sophiecasali8282]

Oh that's why my nose leaks everytime I eat spicy

[@privatesarusollamia4698]

Me too! Like what you said, it helps with the congestion and the spice will make you take more water. I also eat yogurt whenever I feel an onset of cold or fever coz I know it will help my immune system. It's not a cure but it's like an extra help. However, I do still take meds, which I refer as cheats when I just want to or need to get better faster.

[@Quarter000]

it may cause inflammation in throat or mouth if consumed too much

[@nikhildhital3011]

reccomend when i have common cold

[@muh.imalal-ichsan2135]

Same here rn

[@joshuaboojulal4977]

theres no way this video comes out when im sick

[@otabekisaqov8688]

Not to brag but i am not sick and this is in my recommendation

[@lissylyons2591]

Same

[@MountainLabsYT]

The art feels like a 2010 learning game.

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@El-Burrito]

I'm totally healthy, I just want to be prepared for when I get a cold again

[@Becky_Cooling]

same here

[@rusty9508]

There's nothing you can do. Just let your immune system take its time and manage the illness.

[@The1TrueWaterwarrior]

4:50 Nice to know Billy’s still using tangelos into his adulthood

[@EXPLICITBG]

Nice.

[@VR-jg3sp]

Hi! I drew those tangelos (I directed the piece). Thanks for noticing.. -Lippy

[@EXPLICITBG]

@@VR-jg3sp That was intentional?? No way!

[@Andrewltfanai]

Is it just me or the narrator actually started sounding congested around 0:50

[@VerifyBot]

Generally this time the narrator isn't very making me want to watch the video, can't explain 😭

[@arnabchowdhury3488]

It's just you I think

[@kiffe22]

4:22 After everything you told us so far. Wouldn't the better question be whether these drugs prolong our recovery process?

[@RadicalMaddie]

No.

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

A cartoon of a guy carrying a tub of mucus...good start to my day. And that video was SICK! 😂😂😂

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@NiyaKouya]

IMHO the best way to treat a cold is inhaling (1l of boiling water, a few drops of mint oil, a towel and ~10 minutes of time can do wonders to clearing and hydrating your respiratory system), staying bundled up in bed most of the day, and NOT fighting a fever unless you get into the dangerous range above 40°C. The raised temperature helps your immune system with fighting off the "invasion".

[@joachimb5721]

I believe in eating slices of raw ginger a few times a day, both to prevent and to cure colds.

[@stephenlee5929]

Garlic is quite good too. Or is that just vampires?

[@loki2240]

​@@stephenlee5929- With garlic, you won't have to worry about vampires or dating.

[@bobertgamz]

@@loki2240 lol

[@music4good]

Right time. I am sick now. Hope i could get something from this video

[@emmaleon5169]

This artstyle is so nostalgic

[@MohamedWaheedAtef]

aaaaaaaaand he's dead 5:20 😂

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@MohamedWaheedAtef]

@@VR-jg3sp you did a wonderful job 😊👍🏻

[@Kraiden85]

TLDW; Nothing speeds up the proces of getting better.

[@igorthelight]

Yep! You could just make your symptoms less annoying

[@stephenlee5929]

Sounds about right. Is there anyway of getting a double dose of nothing.

[@lollylyndee]

Thank you for uploading this. I'm going on holiday tomorrow and need this cold to be gone!!

[@jagadishcdoralmedicineradi8932]

4:20 clipart from office

[@tb6369]

Zinc supplement at first sign. Nasal saline rinse/mist multiple times a day. Mouthwash multiple times a day. Sleep. Water. Mucinex D at first sign.

[@megamind_2222]

Ted ed literally seems to read my mind. Started sneezing yesterday then this popped up lol

[@shubh_007]

I'm suffering in cold for almost a week now. Good time to post the video TED!

[@AyuAyu-kun]

I kept on getting antibiotics prescribed for cold since i was a kid. My digestion is pathetic and it is only a few years ago that I stopped consuming antibiotics for fever and im actually falling sick way less, my digestion has also been lil better

[@1IGG]

Antibiotics work for bacteria not viruses. Many colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do nothing to help. Also antibiotics can kill your intestinal flora. So it might harm more than it helps.

[@ieatalgae]

That's because antibiotics also kill the good bacteria to get rid of the bad ones ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@mollymillions6586]

Antibiotics don't do anything to help colds. They only kill certain bacteria, and colds and flus are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are important treatments for things like strep throat or other bacterial infections, but as someone else said they are poisonous to your body and also kill off a lot of good bacteria that you need to be well, so it's important to only use them when actually necessary.

[@Dr.Phoenix]

Doctors these days prescribe antibiotics like candies... There's risk of becoming resistant to them and then it won't work on you later in life... Most cold cases can be handled well at home with rest... You can use paracetamol for fever and levocetrizine for runny nose or cold for temporary relief

[@dearest.yessie]

The fact that I'm sick rn...the timing....marvelous

[@lunarskuwit9789]

TED-Ed always puts effort into creating informative animations. Thanks guys.

[@djp1234]

Zinc lozenges at the first signs of a sore throat. Keep your throat coated in zinc all day and the virus stands no chance. I haven't had a cold in probably 10 years.

[@WeArePharmers]

The video left out the most important piece of advice: talk to the pharmacist! They will be able to direct you to an effective product to help the symptoms you have

[@Hmm13-m8p]

Literally sneezed so many times today and I feel so sick. Thankyou Ted Ed 😂 perfect timing😂

[@PocketRocketPlayz]

This is great video because am sick with a cold right now🤣

[@igorthelight]

It's a great video regardless of your condition ;-)

[@Ayan_69420]

perfect i have cought cold

[@citrange077]

Hilarious animation. I was eating breakfast while looking at all the mucus.😅

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@shrishkadam2253]

Great graphics and animation ted!!!

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@PramkLuna]

Perfect timing

[@laletemanolete]

I like these Powerpoint 98 illustrations

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@CKW10001]

I don't have the flu or cold. Thank god!! 🙏 I had COVID 4 times so hopefully I don't get the cold this year, but switching to a plant based diet and that might have something to do with everyone around me getting sick. I just came for the information on these ted eds. Love them. Also I am not in an office so that helps also.

[@ike3039]

these animations are genius

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@Piratewaffle43]

I'm asleep from Benadryl right now.

[@tsotsoogloria5044]

Just when I had a cold..first on my page … This totally freaked me out!

[@Nooben2550]

right as my cold went away yall uploaded this

[@anishdutta5279]

I got cold 😢 and TED-Ed saved my day ❤❤

[@tranmthu]

My most common practices for colds: rest, hydrate (with tea), inhale steam. Paracetamol for headaches, throat lozenges or sugar free bonbons for throat pain. Only once did I have to get codeine when my cough lasted for a month and caused chest pain.

[@thztan7492]

I'm just recover few days ago so this video is very helpful 😊👍

[@dhananjaybhagat8738]

I am coughing and was prescribed a Guaiphenesin based syrup. But it seems it is hindering with my digestive system by trapping burps inside my stomach making me feel like vomiting. Have moved to Honey now for my cough remedy.

[@CharlotteXMoon]

I'm sick at the moment so this video has been helpful so thank you😊

[@marko3502]

I miss this narrator’s voice. So glad to hear it again!!

[@partynextborder962]

I learned going outside and getting sunlight or going for a nice walk/ jog helps a lot!

[@MountainLabsYT]

I'm never gonna be able to get through this without getting a stuffy nose and coughing.

[@neccosan]

First I got the tetnanus shot, then you upload it too. Now the cold....I really hope I don't get a cold now

[@zechc]

I have been sick with either COVID-19 or influenza since Saturday, thank you for making this video.

[@mhermarckarakouzian8899]

So happy they mentioned zinc. Taken early enough, for me, it basically stops the cold in its tracks. It’s a literal cure. But it needs to be taken exactly at the onset of the first symptoms.

[@mohammedayaanghugharia]

The animation is so well done and funny

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@andrewgagne5063]

Perfect timing for flu and covid season.

[@aracejeangaringgo9162]

Very timely in my case as well. I'm feeling a little bit sick todaaay! 😬

[@gesangmanggala9966]

3 days into cold, and this video suddenly popped up on my timeline. Just bought a cough medication 30 mins ago from a convenient store. Now I believe KZbin has access to the store's CCTV.

[@cytixify]

With these medical terms, I can now become a medical Intern

[@oofnack]

this art style is awesome, I love it

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece - Lippy.

[@deutschesmaedchen2851]

As a child, I was made to breathe over a pot of hot potatoes with my head covered by a blanket. Frankly speaking, this is the best treatment yet.

[@eeshalkhan9340]

Can we appreciate the animation? Reminds me of 2000s animation, so fun !!

[@MaladaptiveDaydreamerr]

I really like this artstyle. It reminds me of those posters you'd see at school.

[@kayeka4123]

My cold/flu regimen is paracetamol for headaches, honey for a sore throat, salt-water nasal spray to temporary unclog my nose, and ice cream both for cooling down a fever and just helping me feel better about life in general. There's no curing it, so best you can do is make yourself comfortable while the ride lasts.

[@goldensunrayspone]

A tip that some medical professionals are getting behind is to stop taking fever reducers until your fever goes above 102, because a fever between 99 and 102 is actually just doing its job: killing viruses by overheating them

[@arpitasingh5183]

They know...they can hear my sneezes now😮

[@TheArcticInferno1]

TED-Ed never fails to disappoint.

[@Wellnesspeacelovefun]

Breathing fresh air is important ! We tent to stay in door when we are ill but we should actually try to spend some time outdoor to get fresh oxygen

[@RV_Vintage]

How convenient, I got this recommended when I'm sick.

[@aisling664]

Perfect timing for me as I can feel one coming on🥲

[@samttk359]

1:54 rumor honeybottoms sound effect

[@tolentinoedizon9185]

Right moment, right time

[@christosgeorgiafentis4825]

I had a cold exactly one week ago from today and I am getting better, but I would have liked have seen this sooner!

[@inoui1841]

I have cold for the last 2 weeks. Thanks!

[@Xelaria]

Creepy this came out on my sick day

[@salimibrohimi9813]

I'm sick right now. I stumbled into this video and hit play, I expected a solution.

[@RichardHannay]

Whoah. Good timing… I’m coming down with a cold and sore throat 😩

[@nikodimosmarkose6962]

Love the animation

[@rajatsharma2866]

I have some simple ways to alleviate the cold. 1. Before sleeping drink hot milk with turmeric and honey. Not only it will help you sleep well but also keep you warm. Boil turmeric in milk and then add honey. 2. If your nose is blocked then you can consider taking steam. 3. Rinse your itching throat with salt water. 4. Don't miss your two regular teeth brushing and especially clean your tongue. 5. If it's winter and rainy season drink warm water. And in summer avoid drinking too much cold water. 6. If it's winter then don't forget to dry your wet hair with hair dryer. 7. You can consider chewing on a small stick of Liquorice it's helpful for bad throat.

[@thelunaticcultist5157]

I really love the style of this! I enjoy all the clipart/vector style and I'd love tk see more of this!

[@DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes]

Warm baths with eucalyptus bubble bath and olbas oil mixed, warms drinks with lemon, honey and a drop of whisky ( if appropriate) , lots of sleep , keep warm and eat soothing foods like soup. Also, find something to interest you like reading or TV to keep your mind and spirits up.

[@moletrap2640]

Me too. On my birthday. :(

[@limuelalmoneda5925]

This really came up while i'm sick from fever and colds

[@RichiRay97]

I literally have a cold right now and was about to buy some medicine right when this video was recommended to me.

[@RichardCano]

Rest, hydration, and whatever calories you can hold down. That's what your body needs to fight a cold virus. Medications are what you need to fight the symptoms.

[@Cat_Bread98]

The animations reminded me of old Flash games.

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece, and I also animated old Flash games! - Lippy.

[@backspace7343]

saving this for later when i actually get a cold

[@anele273]

This is such valuable information and very well put together!!

[@deepakkumarDPKreal]

I put small pieces of tissue paper rolled like cylinder in my nostrils an tilt my head praying position. It works for me everytime. Never took a single pill in last 10 years.

[@handkeez]

"MUCUS INC." 😂😂

[@VR-jg3sp]

Thank you. I directed/designed the piece. Thanks for noticing the mucus sign.. - Lippy.

[@handkeez]

@@VR-jg3sp Nice! That was brilliant👏🏿👏🏿

[@zenalexander9278]

Nice timing, Ted Ed. Because the winter is coming!

[@Stinger-rq4gy]

I can shake off the cold/flu in 3 to 4 days with: Curry vindaloo (very spicy and clears the nose) (When you feel that uncomfortable tickle in your throat that leads to flu, eating vindaloo might prevent the flu from coming, worked for me) Spicy soup (Clears the nose) hot British tea. Cold towel on your head all night (very good and powerful treatment for me) Lemsip (Lemony hot drink) Vicks VapoRub (on chest) Hot shower or bath is great, steam good for nose with a bath. If I do not do all these it will last a week or 2. Hope it helps, stay well.

[@Gonyos]

I hate cold and fever 😔

[@zubaer73]

"Proper treatment will cure a cold in seven days, but left to itself, a cold will hang on for a week."- Darrell Huff

[@erik_hayes522]

great timing