The common cold can be contracted by anyone, anywhere irrespective of age or gender, and can be contracted at any time in the year. It is primarily caused by contact with viruses such as the rhinovirus or the coronavirus. These viruses can spread through physical touch or may be airborne too. Being around someone who suffers from a cold and touching one's mouth, eyes or any open wounds after coming in contact with the virus can lead to a cold. Inhaling the virus suspended in the air after someone with a cold has coughed or sneezed can also lead to airborne transfer of the cold. Along with exposure, a weakened immune system can increase susceptibility to a cold. Thus it is usually important to make sure that one's immune system is in healthy shape by regular exercise and following a healthy diet rich in fiber and unsaturated fats.

Chicken soup

Once the virus is contracted there is no remedy for the airborn cold. The infection could last up to a fortnight. There are however various airborne cold remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the discomfort. A cold is usually denoted by most if not all of the following symptoms: Runny nose, Fever, Congestion, Cough, Lack of energy, Watery, itchy eyes, Irritable throat.

Some simple airborne cold remedy ingredients include getting plenty of rest and drinking a lot of fluids. Intake of plain, unflavored water at room temperature helps make the thick mucous, runny and alleviate the congestion. Drinking a blend of warm water and honey is also an airborne cold remedy that works. Drinking warm chicken soup (or any warm fluids for that matter) serve the same purpose. Avoid caffeine or alcohol as these have a reverse effect and actually dehydrate your body.

Regular steam inhalation with a few drops of tea tree oil blended into the hot water also soothes the throat and lungs. Steam inhalation is a very effective airbourne cold remedy that can be done twice a day using a commercially available steamer or by using a wide, open-mouthed vessel that can hold enough water to generate soothing vapors for up to 15 minutes.

Some types of airborne cold remedy do not have conclusive evidence regarding their efficacy. Echinacea is a popular airborne cold remedy ingredient and is said to reduce both the duration and the severity of cold symptoms. It enjoys moderate support from research findings but many users swear by its effectiveness. Vitamin C is another such airborne cold remedy that has mixed reactions. It seems to be successful in certain doses in certain conditions (such as high levels of physical activity). Like Echinacea, this airborne cold remedy has no negative side effects if taken in moderation.