The average cold lasts 9 days, but you could throw that cold into brick wall and feel better to morrow.
1- As soon as yo feel the first symptom start drinking water or juice.
2- Gargle with salt water
3- Keep your nose clean; take a hot shower to clear your nasal passages.
4- get an over the counter pain reliever that contains acetaminophen.
5- Instead of an over the counter cough medicine, eat honey straight from the jar or use it in tea instead of sugar.
6- Take the day off from work.
7- Eat lots of chicken soup.
8- Do some light exercising.
9- Eat lean meat, fish, beans, brown rice, vegetables.