Does drinking lots of liquid help get rid a cold?

Drinking plenty of fluids may help alleviate cold symptoms, but it does not cure the common cold.

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, and influenza virus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they are not effective in treating the common cold.

Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or soup, can help to thin mucus and keep the throat moist, which may provide some relief from symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, and coughing. Fluids can also help to replace fluids lost through sweating and fever, which are common symptoms of the common cold.

However, drinking lots of fluids does not directly kill or eliminate the virus that causes the cold. The body's immune system is responsible for fighting off the infection and resolving the cold.

Rest, pain relievers, and over-the-counter cold medications can help manage symptoms of the common cold, but there is no cure for the common cold. Most people recover from the common cold within 7-10 days.