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Health & wellness

Boston.com

7 mistakes we make when treating colds

By Deborah Kotz

 |  Globe Staff  

  November 23, 2011

We’ve all heard the conventional wisdom: Do nothing for a cold and it will last for seven days; try a host of remedies, and it will last for a week. In reality, though, that drippy nose, sore throat, and cough can drag on for weeks or bother us for only a few days. While part of the variation in symptoms depends upon the strain of virus causing the upper respiratory symptoms -- some are more virulent than others -- you could also make your cold last longer by making these seven stupid mistakes when you’re sick.

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