How to Quickly Relieve ARVI Symptoms and Recover Faster

ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) is one of the most common illnesses, especially during the cold season. A stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue can knock you off your feet, making you wonder: is it really possible to recover in 24 hours? In this article, we’ll explore how to quickly alleviate symptoms, boost immunity, and return to normal life without complications.

What is ARVI and why is immediate action important?

ARVI is caused by over 200 types of viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses). They spread through airborne droplets, affecting the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Although a cold is less dangerous than the flu or COVID-19, ignoring symptoms can lead to complications like sinusitis, otitis, or bronchitis.

Early signs you shouldn’t miss:

1. Sore throat.
2. Nasal congestion and sneezing.
3. Fatigue, muscle aches.
4. Mild cough or throat irritation.
5. Tearing (if conjunctivitis develops).

Starting treatment within the first 12–24 hours significantly increases your chances of stopping the illness from progressing.

How to cure ARVI quickly: a step-by-step plan

To defeat the virus in a day, a comprehensive approach is needed. Here are the key steps:

1. Relieve symptoms

• Reduce fever and pain: Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — ibuprofen or paracetamol. They relieve fever, headaches, and aches. Important! If your temperature is below 38.5°C (101.3°F), avoid lowering it — it’s the body’s natural defense mechanism.
• Combat a runny nose: Use saline solutions for nasal rinsing (AquaLor, Dolphin). They moisturize mucous membranes and flush out viruses. For severe congestion — use vasoconstrictor drops (Nazivin, Tizin) for no longer than 3–5 days.
• Soothe your throat: Dissolve antiseptic lozenges (Strepsils, Grammidin) or gargle with a salt-soda solution (1 tsp per glass of water).
• Ease coughing: For dry coughs, use mucolytics (Ambroxol); for wet coughs, expectorants (plantain syrup).

2. Support your body

• Drink more fluids: Warm water, herbal teas with chamomile, ginger, or honey help flush out toxins and prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Sleep and bed rest are your best allies against viruses. Avoid work and physical exertion.
• Humidify the air: Optimal humidity (40–60%) reduces dryness in mucous membranes and eases breathing.

Folk remedies: what actually works?

Home remedies can complement treatment but shouldn’t replace it. Top 5 proven methods:

1. Ginger tea with lemon — a natural antiseptic that reduces inflammation.
2. Eucalyptus inhalations (2–3 drops of oil per 500 ml of water) — clear respiratory pathways.
3. Milk with turmeric — boosts immunity and soothes coughs.
4. Garlic honey (minced garlic + honey in a 1:1 ratio) — fights viruses.
5. Hot mustard foot baths — improve blood circulation.

Caution! Avoid overusing folk remedies if you have allergies or a high fever.

Why you shouldn’t rely solely on medication

Many make the mistake of taking antibiotics at the first sign of symptoms. But ARVI is caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics are useless and even harmful. They’re only prescribed for complications (e.g., bacterial tonsillitis).

5 myths about treating ARVI:

1. “A cold can be cured in a day” — symptoms can be alleviated in 24 hours, but full recovery takes 3–5 days.
2. “Megadoses of vitamin C will stop the illness” — studies show it only shortens the duration by 10–15%.
3. “Alcohol disinfects the throat” — it weakens immunity and worsens dehydration.
4. “Flu vaccines protect against ARVI” — vaccines only target specific flu strains.
5. “If there’s no fever, it’s safe to go outside” — cold exposure slows recovery.

How to strengthen immunity and avoid recurrence?

Prevention is the best defense against ARVI. Doctors recommend:

1. Balanced diet: Include citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers (vitamin C), nuts (zinc), and fatty fish (omega-3).
2. Physical activity: Daily walks and moderate exercise improve blood circulation.
3. Hygiene: Wash hands after being outdoors; avoid touching your face.
4. Hardening: Contrast showers strengthen blood vessels and improve temperature resilience.
5. Probiotics: The gut is key to immunity. Yogurts and fermented foods support healthy microflora.

When to see a doctor?

Seek immediate help if:

• Fever above 39°C (102.2°F) lasts more than 3 days.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion occurs.
• Symptoms persist beyond 7 days.
• Severe headache or rash develops.

These signs may indicate complications or another infection (e.g., flu).

Conclusion

Curing ARVI in a day is challenging, but it’s possible to significantly ease symptoms and speed up recovery. The key is to act at the first signs, combining medications, folk remedies, and rest. Don’t forget prevention: a strong immune system is your best defense. Stay healthy! This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before following any recommendations.