The arrival of cold and flu season brings back the usual rituals: dodging coworkers with the sniffles, stockpiling vitamin C like it’s gold, and convincing oneself that dodging germs is a winnable battle. Despite the best efforts, catching a cold can feel inevitable. Once those symptoms hit, most people turn to instinctive remedies like aggressive nose-blowing or a lineup of over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, some of these go-to “cures” can make matters worse instead of better.
A stuffy nose is one of the most miserable parts of any cold, with mucus buildup making each breath a minor victory. The natural reaction is to grab a tissue and blow as hard as possible, but this approach often backfires. Excessive force during nose-blowing can create pressure that sends mucus back into the sinuses instead of clearing it out, which only worsens the congestion. Overdoing it can also cause other unpleasant problems, such as ear pain, nosebleeds, and even bacterial infections. In extreme cases, forceful nose-blowing has been linked to headaches or fractures in the delicate bones around the eye socket—definitely not the intended result.
To prevent these issues, blowing the nose gently is critical to avoid pushing mucus into sterile areas like the sinuses and eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. These areas are not designed to handle contamination, and introducing bacteria-laden mucus can trigger secondary infections. For those seeking safer relief, saline irrigation offers a better alternative. Rinsing the nasal passages with saline clears out mucus effectively while improving breathing, all without the risks that come from trying to blow a cold away.
Cold medications, another staple of flu season, often promise more than they deliver. Many over-the-counter options merely mask symptoms for a few hours, and their side effects can be problematic, especially for children who are more sensitive to such treatments. Adding to the skepticism is recent evidence that phenylephrine, a widely used decongestant, may not be effective at all. Antibiotics, meanwhile, are often misused by people hoping for quick relief. However, since colds are caused by viruses—not bacteria—these prescriptions are not only useless but can contribute to antibiotic resistance when taken unnecessarily.
Ultimately, surviving cold and flu season requires smarter strategies rather than desperate measures. Instead of forceful tissue use or dubious medications, simple remedies like gentle nose-blowing, saline rinses, and staying hydrated can make a world of difference. Recognizing that colds are viral and that quick fixes often fall short can save time, money, and discomfort. While there may be no miracle cure for the common cold, a little patience and practical care can help manage the symptoms and pave the way for a smoother recovery.
