Colds, coughs, sore throat and fever

Colds

• Drink plenty of water or other fluids and have plenty of rest.
• Try drinking herbal teas.

If a cold lasts for more than a week, or if you have a high fever or a cough with a lot of mucus, blood or odorous discharge, see a health worker.

Coughs

Coughing is how the body cleans the lungs and throat by getting rid of mucus and germs. Therefore, do not take any medicines to stop the coughing but try to loosen the mucus.

• Breathe in hot vapours. Take a bowl or pot filled with very hot water and cover your head with a towel. Breathe in the vapours deeply for ten minutes, twice a day. You can try adding eucalyptus, mint or thyme leaves.
• Try home-made cough syrup to ease the symptoms.

Sore throat

• Crush a lemon and mix it with honey. Take a large spoonful as necessary.
• Try herbal teas.

Fever

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Try to bring down the fever by sponging your body with a wet cloth. Prepare herbal remedies such as neem tea (see Annex 1).
• Aspirin or paracetamol can also be taken but make sure to read the instructions about safe doses first. Do not give aspirin to children or people with stomach or kidney problems.