Everybody gets colds. Nobody escapes them.

But, you can probably get rid of your colds quickly, and thereby shorten your suffering. Here’s how.

1. As soon as your cold symptoms begin, take two to three 500 milligram vitamin C tablets a day.

2. Twice a day, mix and drink the juice of a large lemon, a teaspoon or more of honey, and a cup of warm water. It helps, and it tastes better than it sounds.

3. Just prior to going to bed, take a warm, steamy shower, climb into a sweatshirt and sweatpants, and sleep with several blankets and/or comforters.

4. Here is a remedy you’ve heard about before: chicken soup.

5. Try gargling at least twice daily. A honey, lemon, and hot water mixture works well, as does a simple mixture of table salt and warm water.

Colds are an unpleasant fact of life that we have not yet learned to prevent or cure. But, we can minimize their unpleasant symptoms pretty easily and effectively.