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<ul><li><keyword id="2210169" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xiaomi-India">Xiaomi India</keyword> will donate ₹10 crore to the PM and states’ relief funds, while the rest will be in the form of masks and other material.</li><li>Xiaomi also partnered with Give India to raise ₹1 crore towards supplying hygiene kits for 20,000 families.</li><li>Earlier on March 24, Xiaomi announced a work from home policy and enforced safety measures in its stores and service centers.</li></ul>Xiaomi India pledged ₹15 crore donation to fight the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> pandemic in India. Of this, it will donate ₹10 crore to the PM’s relief funds and CM’s relief funds across various states, according to Xiaomi India MD Manu Kumar Jain. Further, Jain also <a href="https://twitter.com/XiaomiIndia/status/1244922355576528896">said</a> that his company will continue to donate face masks and protective suits to hospitals across states. “We will also be donating Hazmat suits to doctors across a few government hospitals like AIIMS, St. Johns,” <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/chinese-smartphone-maker-xiaomi-to-donate-lakhs-of-n95-masks-for-coronavirus-outbreak/articleshow/74790923.cms">Xiaomi announced on March 24</a>. In addition to this, Xiaomi also donated N95 masks to government hospitals in Punjab, Karnataka and Delhi. Xiaomi to raise ₹1 crore for hygiene kits for 20,000 families Apart from masks and monetary donations, Xiaomi also announced that it is raising ₹1 crore to donate hygiene kits to 20,000 families across India. Xiaomi will be targeting families which don’t have access to soaps, sanitizers and masks. To this end, <a href="https://indiafightscorona.giveindia.org/support-families/">Xiaomi has partnered</a> with Give India, a non-profit online donation platform. The company is urging its fans and customers to donate towards this cause. Xiaomi’s pledge of ₹15 crore includes its own donations to the PM CARES fund and other state funds, the masks and other protective equipment and donations from its fans on the Give India platform. The company has also asked its employees to come forward and donate to central and state funds. Xiaomi enforces safety measures in its stores In addition to asking its employees to work from home, Xiaomi has also enforced a slew of safety measures in its stores and service centers. Customers who want to buy a Xiaomi smartphone can call up their nearest Mi Home store and place the order. As part of Xiaomi’s ‘Delivery on Call’ service, these stores will deliver the smartphone directly to the customer’s home. The staff in Mi Home stores wears masks at all times and keep their hands sanitized for walk-in customers. At its network of over 2,000 service centers, Xiaomi allows only four customers at any given point of time. This helps customers to maintain a healthy distance from others while getting their smartphone repaired. Apart from this, Xiaomi’s staff also uses masks, shoe covers, sterile gloves and sanitized hands while offering home service to its customers. It also sanitizes devices to ensure all possible modes of Coronavirus infection are clean. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/chinese-smartphone-maker-xiaomi-to-donate-lakhs-of-n95-masks-for-coronavirus-outbreak/articleshow/74790923.cms">Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi to donate N95 masks, Hazmat suits to help fight Coronavirus in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/iits-against-coronavirus-all-the-experiments-from-electrified-water-to-herbal-sanitizers-to-cheap-test-kits/articleshow/74788450.cms">IITs against Coronavirus — All the experiments from electrified water to herbal sanitizers to cheap test kits</a>

Xiaomi India pledges ₹15 crore donation towards fighting Coronavirus

Face shields, bio-suits, and disinfection chambers — some of the ways that Coronavirus is driving innovation in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Qingming Festival is a time for <keyword id="12188990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chinese" source="Orion">Chinese</keyword> communities to honor the dead.</li><li>It involves making offerings — including paper replicas of things — to the spirits of loved ones.</li></ul>With vaccines, medicines, masks, and hand sanitizer, these <keyword id="8764262" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">Covid</keyword> care packs contain everything one needs to fight the virus. But they're not for the living — they're meant for the dead. Even though the items look very realistic at first glance, it's clear once you pick up a box that everything is, in fact, made of paper and designed to be burned.During the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 5 this year, Chinese communities worldwide honor the dead by visiting and tidying up the graves of their loved ones and making offerings to their spirits. For some people, that involves burning paper replicas of real-life things. Objects burned include paper computers, paper mansions, and even paper mistresses, according to <a href="https://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/paper-offerings-for-the-dead">Eye Magazine</a>. "People believe that these burnt offerings will become the actual objects in the <keyword id="13418180" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="afterlife" source="Orion">afterlife</keyword>, thereby being usable for whoever receives them. That's why when individuals burn large paper boxes, they will often have the names of the deceased written on the box, so it gets to the right person," Terence Heng, a sociology expert at the University of Liverpool, told Insider.<div type="image" title="n Indonesian Chinese family burn offerings decorations during the Qing Ming festival at Mount Gangsir Chinese cemetery on April 04, 2021 in Pasuruan, Indonesia." height="2263" width="3400" msid="90654488" hostid="261"></div>The pandemic has led to the introduction of Covid-themed offerings, on top of the more typical paper models of mansions, clothes, and cars.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bankahhiang/">At Ban Kah Hiang Trading</a>, one of Singapore's oldest joss paper stores, two types of Covid paper care packs are sold among the thousands of other items on offer for the dead. One comprises paper masks, safety goggles, sanitizer, and digital thermometers, while the other pack has paper vaccines and herbal medicines (each cost S$3.80, or about $2.80)."We always try to keep up with what's going on in the news and sell things based on trends. For example, hotpot and bubble tea have become very popular, so we have paper models of those," store owner Alex Teo, 33, told Insider. <div type="image" title="Hotpot paper model for Qingming Festival" height="2116" width="2365" msid="90654489" hostid="261"></div>"Younger customers especially like to buy what they think are trendy things to burn for their ancestors. Since Covid has taken over our lives, it's not surprising that they want to give these things to their loved ones, too," he said, adding that he has sold about 60 Covid-themed paper packs this year. Across the border in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Chui Teng Teng has sold more than 1,000 paper vaccine kits at her store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yeehen/?ref=page_internal">Yee Hen Trading</a>, since last year's Qingming Festival. But she believes that many of her customers bought them for an entirely different reason. "During this time last year, Covid patients were dying, and many of them didn't have access to vaccines yet. I think people wanted to burn these for their deceased relatives because they felt regret," she told Insider in Chinese. "Their loved ones couldn't get vaccines while they were living, so people wanted to make sure that their relatives got them in the afterlife."Around Qingming last April, Malaysia averaged about 1,200 Covid cases daily, and vaccines were limited to frontline workers, <a href="https://www.who.int/malaysia/internal-publications-detail/covid-19-in-malaysia-situation-report-37">according to the World Health Organization</a>. <div type="image" title="Alex Teo owner of Singapore joss paper store" height="4032" width="2671" msid="90654491" hostid="261"></div>Despite the interest in pandemic-related items, both Chui and Teng said that the more traditional items are still in greater demand. "Usually, it's about offering things that the dead couldn't afford in their lifetime, so people like to burn models of houses and Ferraris," Teo said."Paper clothes and shoes are also essential, so that their ancestors have new ones to wear. People just want their loved ones to have a better afterlife."

Battling Covid even in the afterlife — paper vaccines and masks are being offered to the dead during the Qingming 'Tomb Sweeping' Festival

AP Photo/Peter DejongPeople queue to buy marijuana at coffeeshop Bulwackie in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, March 15, 2020, after a TV address of health minister Bruno Bruins who ordered all Dutch schools, cafes, restaurants, coffeeshops and sport clubs to be closed on Sunday as the government sought to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands.<ul class="summary-list"><li>People are stockpiling pot as the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus pandemic</a> forces everyone indoors.</li><li>Ross Lipson, the CEO of Oregon-based online dispensary software startup Dutchie, told Business Insider that his platform has seen new sales records - every single day.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-how-the-cannabis-industry-is-reacting-to-the-pandemic-2020-3">Click here</a> to read more about how the cannabis industry is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-how-the-cannabis-industry-is-reacting-to-the-pandemic-2020-3">preparing for, and reeling from</a>, the coronavirus pandemic.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>People are stockpiling marijuana as the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus pandemic</a> forces everyone to hunker down in their homes, perhaps for a long time.All around the world, there are pictures surfacing on social media of long lines outside of dispensaries. From Toronto, to San Francisco, to Amsterdam, cannabis products are flying off the shelves.The old saying that vice industries - historically speaking, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and firearms - are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-jobs-that-will-grow-during-the-next-financial-recession-2019-9">recession-proof</a> seems to apply to legal cannabis's first big test.<h2>'Sales are through the roof'</h2>Ross Lipson, the CEO of the Oregon-based online dispensary software startup Dutchie, told Business Insider he's had record sales over the past week, and that trend is showing no signs of stopping."Sales are just through the roof," Lipson told Business Insider in a Monday phone interview. "We've seen an uptick across the board."<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-how-the-cannabis-industry-is-reacting-to-the-pandemic-2020-3">Click here</a> to read more about how the cannabis industry is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-how-the-cannabis-industry-is-reacting-to-the-pandemic-2020-3">preparing for, and reeling from</a>, the coronavirus pandemic.Lipson said that last Thursday - shortly after Trump declared a national emergency around the coronavirus and a day after the World Health Organization officially deemed it a pandemic - sales started to spike "aggressively."Dutchie blew out its sales records, setting an all-time record on Friday. That trend carried over through the past weekend, with the company's platform handling over 50,000 orders and $5 million of transactions.On top of that, Lipson said the stockpiling is real: The average cannabis purchase for one customer on Dutchie's platform is around $92 bucks. The average per customer sale since Thursday, says Lipson, is $115 - a 20% increase.On Monday, Lipson texted Business Insider to say the company had broken a new record, with 20,000 orders and 2.2 million in sales. That record was broken again on Tuesday, then on Wednesday, when the company took 25,000 orders. topping $3 million in sales."Every day this week we've seen an all-time daily record," Lipson said.While Lipson said the dispensaries he works with haven't yet felt the supply chain impact of the coronavirus-related shutdown, that could change quickly, depending on how long the shutdowns last.And that brings up a key question, says Lipson. While many adults use cannabis purely for recreational purposes - something that they want and are willing to travel for, but far from an essential - others do rely on dispensaries for prescribed medicine."What's the classification here?" Lipson said. "Are dispensaries pharmacies? They're in their own little box."Katie Canales/Business InsiderLines outside of dispensaries in San Francisco.<h2>Contact-less deliveries, hand sanitizer, and latex gloves </h2>On that front, San Francisco has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/san-francisco-shelter-in-place-weed-dispensaries-2020-3">allowed cannabis dispensaries to stay open</a> for medical patients after including them in the city-wide shutdown over the weekend. Many dispensaries around the US and Canada have moved to online-only as well, per press releases and social media messages sent to Business Insider throughout the week.Amanda Denz, the chief marketing officer at Sava, a California cannabis delivery service, told Business Insider in an interview that sales jumped three times over the normal amount this past weekend."I think people are worried that in a few weeks their favorite products will be gone," Denz said.Denz said each of Sava's delivery drivers will be outfitted with latex gloves, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and will be instructed to wipe down products and surfaces like door handles in between each delivery, similar to food delivery services like GrubHub.That customer care seems to extend to New York City's illicit cannabis delivery services as well. One delivery service advertised in a text message to regular clients "no-contact" drop off service, and said each of its delivery people will carry latex gloves and hand sanitizer, per a tip received by Business Insider.Associated PressIn this Friday, April 5, 2019, file photo, a customer takes a photo of large jars of marijuana from on display for sale at Rev-Up a cannabis marketplace in Los Angeles.<h2>Squeezing out smaller CBD and cannabis startups </h2>For smaller operators in legal states, the coronavirus pandemic is creating more difficulties than a temporary sales boost can fix.Colorado, for instance, still doesn't allow cannabis delivery service in the same way California does. Cannabis customers in Colorado can place orders online, but they have to physically go to the dispensary to pick up their products.Johnny Kurish, the CEO and general manager of Boulder's Helping Hands Herbals, said he was forced to close his two physical locations."We're waiting and holding," Kurish told Business Insider over the phone. "If delivery was an option, that would save our business."To Kurish, the biggest challenge of having stores be closed for an indeterminate amount of time is figuring out a way to pay employees."I'm not holding my breath for federal assistance," Kurish said. "They're still working out our tax laws."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cannabis-tech-startup-green-bits-lays-off-40-employees-2020-3">Green Bits, a cannabis startup backed by Tiger Global, quietly terminated over 40 employees in a bid to cut costs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greenlane-holdings-cmo-departs-company-days-after-layoffs-2020-3">A key executive departed cannabis-vaporizer company Greenlane Holdings two days after the company laid off 31 workers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/medmen-layoffs-128-people-in-february-per-securities-filing-2020-3">Embattled cannabis retailer MedMen quietly terminated 128 people in February, filings reveal</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cannabis-company-acreage-holdings-cut-40-jobs-2020-2">Cannabis company Acreage just cut 40 jobs following a strategic review, and it's the latest sign of a tough environment for cannabis sellers</a></li></ul><a href="/intelligence/digital-health?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_subscription&amp;itm_content=health&amp;itm_campaign=digital-health"></a>Featured Digital Health Articles: - <a href="/telehealth-industry-explained">Telehealth Industry: Benefits, Services &amp; Examples</a> - <a href="/value-based-care-pay-for-performance-healthcare-model">Value-Based Care Model: Pay-for-Performance Healthcare</a> - <a href="/senior-care-market-trends">Senior Care &amp; Assisted Living Market Trends</a> - <a href="/wearable-technology-healthcare-medical-devices">Smart Medical Devices: Wearable Tech in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/artificial-intelligence-healthcare">AI in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/remote-patient-monitoring-industry-explained">Remote Patient Monitoring Industry: Devices &amp; Market Trends</a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/veterinarians-debunk-13-common-myths-about-raising-cats-2020-3">Veterinarians debunk 13 cat myths</a></h3>

People are stockpiling pot and sales are skyrocketing at dispensaries as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the globe

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"><html><body><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank"></a>Getty Images</div></div></div>If you travel a lot for business or pleasure (or both), you've probably come to expect that you'll be uncomfortable in some way. That's especially true if you're not willing to shell out money for a coveted seat in business or first class.But there are a handful of ways you can make your flight feel more comfortable - even luxurious - without having to pay the big bucks.<h3>1. Sleep like a baby.</h3>Sometimes the best flights are the ones you don't remember ... because you're fast asleep. When you're on a red-eye flight, quality sleep could elevate your experience tenfold. But many find it difficult to relax when they're confined to a small seat, bombarded with noise, and fighting for the arm rest.There's good news: You don't have to pop a pill to drop off on the plane. Ask the flight attendant for a non-caffeinated tea, such as chamomile, rooibos, or herbal. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that won't restrict your breathing. Create the ultimate sleep-inducing playlist filled with ambient, instrumental songs. To help you sleep better, <a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank">Delta Comfort+</a> offers a complimentary sleep kit with a pillow, blanket, earplugs, and an eye mask - as well as extra recline and legroom.<h3>2. Bring your own amenities.</h3>Sometimes the little things go a long way. One way to make your flight more comfortable is to bring a pouch or small bag filled with your favorite amenities. This could include practical items like eye drops, hand lotion, lip balm, and sanitizer gel, or products that just make you feel good, such as lavender oil, facial mist, and perfume. And if you're worried about not being to fit it all under your seat, <a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank">Delta Comfort+</a> gives you dedicated overheard bin space.<h3>3. Cherish the uninterrupted time.</h3>Make the most of a long flight by enjoying your alone time. Flying is a rare opportunity for you to do all the activities you may not have the time (or energy) for otherwise. Feel free to indulge in that book you've been meaning to read, listen to as many podcasts as you want, jot down thoughts, or play crossword puzzles. If you're flying on <a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank">Delta Comfort+</a>, you get access to complimentary entertainment from Delta Studio™ that you can also stream on your mobile device. Basically, you can do as much or as little as you want without any distractions.<h3>4. Eat well.</h3>Great food can really improve your flight. Nourishing snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and kale chips are much better for your digestion than sugary treats and chips or the fast food you find at the airport, and they'll keep your hunger at bay. If you don't want to go through the trouble of packing your own food, you can enjoy healthy in-flight food such as the sandwich wrap and frozen Greek yogurt bar - in addition to free wine, spirits, and craft beers offered on <a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank">Delta Comfort+</a>. Consider bringing your own water bottle and filling it up at the airport after you've gone through security. Staying hydrated, especially on long flights, will make you feel so much better.<h3>5. Move and stretch.</h3>When you're sitting for long periods of time, the best thing you can do is get your circulation going. Aim to get up and walk or stretch at least once every hour. While some airports have <a href="http://www.flysfo.com/content/yoga-room-1" target="_blank">yoga rooms</a>, you might not always have that option. Instead, learn some plane-friendly yoga moves - like seated spinal twist, eagle arms (wrapping one arm around the other), and hugging your knees to your chest - to relieve tension in your hips, back, and shoulders. <h3>6. Stay loyal to an airline and rack up miles for more perks.</h3>There's a lot to gain from flying with the same airline consistently. Not only can you earn miles and redeem them for free flights, but you could also be granted valuable perks, including early boarding, reduced (or no) baggage fees, and access to the airline's lounge. You may even want to consider <a href="http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-partners/credit-card-partners.html" target="_blank">signing up for an airline credit card</a> to earn more points up front. All of these perks could add up to a more comfortable and relaxing travel experience.<a href="http://delta.com/comfortplus" target="_blank">Learn more about flying with Delta Comfort+.</a> This post is sponsored by <a href="http://delta.com" target="_blank">Delta</a>.Find out <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/sponsor-posts">more about Sponsored Content</a>.</body></html>Follow BI Studios on <a href="https://twitter.com/bi_studios_" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusinessInsiderStudios" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

How to enjoy a luxury flight if you're on a budget

AP Photo/Peter DejongThe coronavirus can be a downer for those wanting to get high in one of Amsterdam's world famous "coffee shops", a woman smokes a joint at coffee shop Prix d'Ami where clients are scanned for fever, one of the symptoms of a coronavirus infection, and are obliged to wash their hands, rear right, before being allowed to enter to roll a joint and smoke marijuana in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 13, 2020<ul class="summary-list"><li>People are stockpiling pot as many cities order non-essential retail stores to close, in an effort to combat the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.</li><li>Despite strong sales numbers, investors, experts, and analysts told Business Insider that the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic will be dire. They said that it will disrupt supply chains, hurt startups, and accelerate a shakeout period for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/cannabis">cannabis companies</a>.</li><li>Some investors say the companies that are best prepared to weather the chaos will emerge as the industry's leaders when the pandemic subsides.</li><li>Click here for more <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime">BI Prime stories</a>.</li></ul>All around the world, there are pictures surfacing on social media of lines stretching around the block.Yes, there are lines at grocery stores and pharmacies - the essential survival needs during the pandemic-induced quarantine sweeping through major cities. But people from Toronto to San Francisco to Amsterdam are stockpiling another essential: marijuana.For the cannabis industry at large, however, investors, experts, and analysts Business Insider spoke to for this story said the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic will be dire, in that it will disrupt supply chains, hurt startups that don't have enough cash to weather the storm, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-cannabis-bubble-burst-top-execs-expect-deals-investments-2019-12">accelerate a months-long shakeout period</a> that was already underway before the first coronavirus cases showed up in the US."Any predictability that was left in the cannabis industry has effectively gone up in smoke due to the potential health risks and disruption brought on by the novel coronavirus pandemic," Marc Hauser, a San Francisco-based attorney and the vice-chair of Reed Smith's Cannabis Law Team wrote in a note. "With the spread of the virus, affecting not just individuals, but capital markets, supply chains, and work environments as well, the already challenged US cannabis industry now faces even further risk of destabilization."Some analysts were even more pessimistic. Andrew Carter, a cannabis analyst at the investment bank Stifel said the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be a "crushing blow" for the industry.AP Photo/Steven SenneKevin Hart, front left, co-owner of Pure Oasis recreational marijuana shop, completes a sale of cannabis products to the stores first customer Niambe McIntosh, front right, moments after the store opened for the first time, Monday, March 9, 2020, in Boston.<h2>Is cannabis recession-proof? </h2>Still, the old saying that vice industries - historically speaking, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms - are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-jobs-that-will-grow-during-the-next-financial-recession-2019-9">recession-proof</a> seems to apply to legal cannabis's first big test. Cannabis dispensaries, both online and in-store, have seen record sales.Ross Lipson, the CEO of the Oregon-based online dispensary software startup Dutchie, told Business Insider he's had record sales over the past week, and that trend is showing no signs of stopping."Sales are just through the roof," Lipson told Business Insider. "We've seen an uptick across the board."Last Thursday - shortly after Trump declared a national emergency and a day after the World Health Organization officially deemed it a pandemic - sales started to spike "aggressively," he said.Dutchie blew out its sales records, setting an all-time record on Friday. That trend carried over through this past weekend, with the company's platform handling over 50,000 orders and $5 million of transactions.On top of that, Lipson said the stockpiling is real: The average cannabis purchase on Dutchie's platform is around $92 per customer. The average since Thursday is $115, a 20% increase.On Monday, Lipson texted Business Insider to say the company had broken a new record, with 20,000 orders and $2.2 million in sales. Sales climbed again on Tuesday, and set new records on Wednesday with 25,000 orders topping $3 million in sales."Every day this week we've seen an all-time daily record," Lipson said, adding that most of the orders are either online or through curbside pickup. While Lipson, who's based in Bend, Oregon, said the dispensaries he works with haven't yet felt the supply chain impact of the coronavirus-related shutdown, that could change quickly, depending on how long the shutdowns last.And that brings up a key question, says Lipson. While many adults use cannabis purely for recreational purposes, others rely on dispensaries for prescribed medicine."What's the classification here?" Lipson said. "Are dispensaries pharmacies? They're in their own little box."AP Photo/Peter DejongThe coronavirus can be a downer for those wanting to get high in one of Amsterdam's world famous "coffee shops", people queue to enter at coffee shop Prix d'Ami where clients are scanned for fever, one of the symptoms of a coronavirus infection, and are obliged to wash their hands before being allowed to enter to roll a joint and smoke marijuana in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 13, 2020.<h2>Contact-less deliveries, hand sanitizer, and latex gloves </h2>On that front, San Francisco on Tuesday <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/san-francisco-shelter-in-place-weed-dispensaries-2020-3">allowed cannabis dispensaries to stay open</a> for medical patients after including them in a city-wide shutdown over the weekend. Many dispensaries around the US and Canada have moved to online-only operations as well, per press releases and social media messages sent to Business Insider throughout the week.Amanda Denz, the chief marketing officer at Sava, a California cannabis delivery service, told Business Insider that sales jumped three times over the normal amount this past weekend."I think people are worried that in a few weeks their favorite products will be gone," Denz said.She said each of Sava's delivery drivers will be outfitted with latex gloves and alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and will be instructed to wipe down products and surfaces like door handles in between each delivery, similar to food delivery services like GrubHub.That customer care seems to extend to New York City's illicit cannabis delivery services as well. One delivery service advertised in a text message to regular clients a "no-contact" drop off service, and said each of its delivery people will carry latex gloves and hand sanitizer, per a tip received by Business Insider.AP Photo/Peter DejongPeople queue to buy marijuana at coffee shop Bulwackie in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday, March 15, 2020, after a TV address of health minister Bruno Bruins who ordered all Dutch schools, cafes, restaurants, coffeeshops and sport clubs to be closed on Sunday as the government sought to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands.<h2>Squeezing out smaller CBD and cannabis startups </h2>For smaller operators in legal states, the coronavirus pandemic is creating more difficulties than a temporary sales boost can fix.Colorado, for instance, doesn't allow cannabis delivery service in the same way California does. Cannabis customers in Colorado can place orders online, but they have to physically go to the dispensary to pick up their products.Johnny Kurish, the CEO and general manager of Boulder's Helping Hands Herbals, said he was forced to close his two locations."We're waiting and holding," Kurish told Business Insider over the phone. "If delivery was an option, that would save our business."To Kurish, the biggest challenge of having stores be closed for an indeterminate amount of time is figuring out a way to pay employees."I'm not holding my breath for federal assistance," Kurish said. "They're still working out our tax laws."<h2>'It's a war-zone out there'</h2>Jim Higdon, a former journalist, is now the CEO of Kentucky-based CBD company Cornbread Hemp.Cornbread Hem mostly sells to retailers like high-end organic and natural-health-food stores. The crippling effects of the pandemic on the global economy mean that the startup's retail partners are suffering, too."It's a war-zone out there," Higdon said. "The last thing they're thinking about is onboarding a new product. They're just trying to keep their shelves stocked."Higdon said that his company's cash position is strong and that it's doubling down on e-commerce. "We'll weather the storm. But it's [coronavirus] hurting our ability to grow, but it's not hurting our ability to maintain our position," Higdon said.Higdon's comment belies a larger problem in cannabis, one that isn't necessarily caused by coronavirus, but exacerbated by it: Many cannabis companies are over-leveraged and are running out of cash.REUTERS/Rafael MarchanteA worker checks cannabis plants inside the Tilray factory hothouse in Cantanhede, Portugal April 24, 2019.<h2>Supply chain issues and an accelerated shakeout</h2>The North American Marijuana Index, which tracks a basket of cannabis and cannabis-related stocks, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pax-eaze-weedmaps-hexo-canntrust-layoffs-job-cuts-in-cannabis-2019-10">has tumbled over 60% this year, building on 2019's rout</a>. On the private side, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-medmen-pharmacann-blowup-is-a-disaster-for-cannabis-ma-2019-10">cannabis startups have struggled in recent months</a> to raise growth-stage money as cannabis-focused investors, for the most part, are tapped out and reticent to invest in an industry where companies have wiped out millions of value in recent months."Startups are some of the most fragile companies out there," Catherine Dockery, the founding partner of Vice Ventures, told Business Insider in an email. "Most companies we speak with express their runway in months - so this sort of adversity is especially challenging for the early-stage investment community."That dynamic will present itself in two ways as the US and Canada move towards more widespread lockdowns, says Pete Karabas, the founding partner of the cannabis-focused Key Investments."Private cannabis companies who have raised capital recently and have cash on their balance sheets should be in good position to weather the storm," Karabas said. "On the other hand, private cannabis companies who are in the process of fundraising or had plans to do so in 2020 will likely struggle to raise capital."Those companies, Karabas said, will become distressed assets, where acquisitive buyers will be able to dictate the terms of the deal.And second, the larger shock to the global economy and the stock market means there will be fewer investors who will be willing to invest in riskier, early-stage cannabis companies."We believe investment managers with dry powder will ultimately benefit from such an environment since capital dedicated to cannabis investments will become more scarce," Karabas said.For operators, though, having cash is paramount."There are three main risks right now, the way I see it," Jon Sandelman, the CEO of New York City-based Ayr Strategies told Business Insider over the phone."If the employees can't come to work, you can't make your product. You can't grow your product, and you can't service your customers. Second, if the customers don't want to leave home, you have no revenue. And third, if your balance sheet is not strong and your operations are burning cash…it's about optionality - do you have the financial means to stay alive if business drops 15-20%?" Sandelman said. To that end, Sandelman said his company has the resources to persevere, but others may not.That will accelerate the trend of "massive consolidation" Sandelman sees in the cannabis industry."In bear markets, there's massive dispersion and those who plan for this day, who are disciplined and excellent stewards of capital, they'll be the survivors," he said.Graphic by Business Insider<h2 dir="ltr">'Planning for the unknown'</h2>Nick Kovacevich, the CEO of Kush Bottles, a publicly-traded manufacturer of cannabis packaging, was forced to pull his company's financial guidance because of the coronavirus outbreak."We're planning for the unknown and that's obviously very challenging," Kovacevich said. One of the key challenges is the impact to supply chains, since most cannabis packaging and vape devices are produced in China, which has shut down large portions of its manufacturing economy to combat the virus since December, he said.If the economy stays shut down, "that's going to be a dire reality for cannabis because none of these companies have strong enough balance sheets to survive a broader shut down of the industry, whether it's two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks. They just don't," Kovacevich said. All this means that for companies in the cannabis and hemp space, it's time to get creative.Ryan Lewis, the CEO at Global Cannabinoids, a hemp and CBD company, is doing just that. The company released a cannabinoid-infused, alcohol hand sanitizer last week, which it says is an "ideal ingredient to add in the fight against viruses."While CBD does have antibacterial properties - and hand sanitizer is crucial during a pandemic - it's important to note that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-myths-red-meat-bleach-antibiotics-and-sesame-oil-2020-2">there is no compelling research to show that any cannabinoid can kill the coronavirus</a>. To Mitch Baruchowitz, the managing partner at Merida Capital, a cannabis-focused private equity firm, the economic fallout from the pandemic could create an opportunity for savvy startups and investors. "It's important to consider that access to capital could be constrained for an extended period and that companies without large capital reserves or easy access to capital should run as lean as possible, even if that means curtailing growth," Baruchowitz wrote in a letter reviewed by Business Insider. "Companies that survive the current chaos are likely to emerge as winners, so chaos will arguably elevate these companies."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cannabis-tech-startup-green-bits-lays-off-40-employees-2020-3">Green Bits, a cannabis startup backed by Tiger Global, quietly terminated over 40 employees in a bid to cut costs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/greenlane-holdings-cmo-departs-company-days-after-layoffs-2020-3">A key executive departed cannabis-vaporizer company Greenlane Holdings two days after the company laid off 31 workers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/medmen-layoffs-128-people-in-february-per-securities-filing-2020-3">Embattled cannabis retailer MedMen quietly terminated 128 people in February, filings reveal</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cannabis-company-acreage-holdings-cut-40-jobs-2020-2">Cannabis company Acreage just cut 40 jobs following a strategic review, and it's the latest sign of a tough environment for cannabis sellers</a></li></ul><a href="/intelligence/digital-health?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_subscription&amp;itm_content=health&amp;itm_campaign=digital-health"></a>Featured Digital Health Articles: - <a href="/telehealth-industry-explained">Telehealth Industry: Benefits, Services &amp; Examples</a> - <a href="/value-based-care-pay-for-performance-healthcare-model">Value-Based Care Model: Pay-for-Performance Healthcare</a> - <a href="/senior-care-market-trends">Senior Care &amp; Assisted Living Market Trends</a> - <a href="/wearable-technology-healthcare-medical-devices">Smart Medical Devices: Wearable Tech in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/artificial-intelligence-healthcare">AI in Healthcare</a> - <a href="/remote-patient-monitoring-industry-explained">Remote Patient Monitoring Industry: Devices &amp; Market Trends</a> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-myths-debunked-wuhan-china-2020-2">Pathologists debunk 13 myths about the coronavirus, including why masks won't help</a></h3>

Pot stockpiles, supply chain disruptions, and CBD hand sanitizer: How the cannabis industry is preparing for - and reeling from - the coronavirus pandemic

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="71367" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="common-cold">Common cold</keyword> symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headaches, and sneezing.</li><li>There's no cure for the common cold, but you can speed up your recovery by drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods that are packed with vitamins A, E, B6, D, and minerals like zinc and iron.</li><li>This article was <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medically</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/people/scott-kaiser-md/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott Kaiser</a>, MD, geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> for Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.</li></ul>The common cold affects millions of Americans each year. It can strike at any time, but most people get sick during the winter and spring. Common cold viruses target the upper respiratory tract and trigger symptoms like cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. There's no vaccine against cold viruses, but there are steps you can take to speed up the recovery process and prevent future illness. A cold will usually resolve on its own without a doctor's visit. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a cold from other, more serious, illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment for a cold as well as how to determine if your illness is more serious and you should seek medical aid.<h2>Symptoms</h2>Symptoms will crop up 1-3 days after exposure. Then, the first several days of symptoms are often the most severe. You'll likely experience a mix of the following:<ul><li>Body Aches</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-clear-a-stuffy-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congestion</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cough" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coughing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-headache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Headaches</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-coronavirus-may-kill-your-sense-of-taste-and-smell-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Loss of smell and taste</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-runny-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Runny nose</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/cant-stop-sneezing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sneezing</a></li><li>Sore throat</li></ul><h2>Diagnosis</h2>The common cold can feel much like other viral infections including the flu and COVID-19 because they all affect the upper respiratory tract. However, there are some ways to determine if what you have<a href="https://www.insider.com/is-it-a-cold-or-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> is a cold or allergies</a> or something else. <h3>Check your symptoms</h3>You can begin to determine what type of illness you have by checking your symptoms, just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule. For example,<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-fever-without-a-thermometer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> fever</a> is a common symptom of the flu and COVID-19 but not the common cold — but you can still get COVID-19 without a fever. In general, you should treat a fever as a potential sign of a more serious illness.In addition to a fever, see the list of distinguishing symptoms below for the common cold, flu, allergies, and COVID-19: <div type="image" title="covid 19 compared to other common conditions table insider" height="1635" width="1668" msid="76099014" hostid="261"></div><h3>Note the time of year</h3>After you've confirmed your symptoms, the time of year may also be a helpful indicator. <ul><li>Colds are most common during the winter and spring months. <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-a-cold-in-the-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can also get a summer cold</a>, but the symptoms are usually different.</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-is-flu-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flu season</a> in the US usually starts in October and ends in February.</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-is-allergy-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Allergy season</a> is most intense the first week of May, but people can get allergies through the spring, summer, and fall.</li></ul><h3>Track how long you've been sick</h3>Finally, don't forget to track how long you've felt ill. <ul><li>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-a-cold-last" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common cold typically lasts 7-10 days</a> in adults and <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-a-cold-last-in-babies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">babies</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-the-flu-last" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flu lasts about 7-14 days</a>.</li><li>Season allergies can last multiple weeks to months, or for as long as you're exposed to the offending allergen.</li></ul><h2>Treatment</h2>If you've determined that you have something besides a cold, then seek the proper treatment whether it's <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">getting your allergies under control</a> or fighting the flu.If it is <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-do-when-you-feel-a-cold-coming-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a cold that's coming on</a>, then there are a lot of remedies out there from which to choose. Some will help speed up your recovery. Others will only relieve symptoms. And a few aren't proven to help at all. <h3>What works</h3>Here are six common cold remedies that work:1. Stay hydrated. Colds can dehydrate you and deplete you of important nutrients you need to fight the virus. Therefore, it's important to make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids.Warm liquids — like broths and caffeine-free teas — <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have been shown</a> to help ease symptoms, including a sore throat and runny nose, more than room-temperature liquids.Avoid drinks that will dehydrate you like caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Also cut out sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and juice. Juice may contain nutrients like <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-vitamin-c-help-with-colds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C, which can help with a cold</a>, but the excess sugar can counteract any benefits by farther dehydrating you. Moreover, limited research in animals suggests that excess sugar may suppress the immune system, but more research is needed to determine how this could affect your recovery time.2. Eat right. Instead of guzzling a gallon of orange juice, focus on eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, like the following:<div type="image" title="foods vc" height="1446" width="1834" msid="76099021" hostid="261"></div>Other <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-eat-when-you-have-a-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foods to eat when you have a cold</a> are those with nutrients that will <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-boost-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost the immune system</a> and ramp up the healing process. These nutrients include vitamins A, E, B6, D, and minerals like zinc and iron. See below for foods rich in these nutrients:<div type="image" title="food and immune fucntion" height="5812" width="1834" msid="76099025" hostid="261"></div>3. Take a supplement. Being sick can sometimes make you lose your appetite. Therefore, a supplement may be in order. Focus on supplements that contain the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals you need. Insider Reviews has a list of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cold-remedies-that-work#apple-cider-vinegar-to-treat-your-sore-throat-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold remedies</a>, including helpful vitamin and mineral supplements.4. Get enough sleep. When you're asleep, that's when your body is working its hardest to fight inflammation and infection. But it can be difficult to get the recommended amount if you're all clogged up.Here are some tips for <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-sleep-with-a-stuffy-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to sleep with a stuffy nose</a>:<ul><li>Sleep on your back and add an extra pillow to prop your head up so the mucus has a chance to drain while you're sleeping.</li><li>Place a hot towel over your nose and forehead. The warmth will dilate the nasal passages and reduce the pressure from congestion as you drift off.</li><li>Run a humidifier in your room. The moist air can loosen up the mucus that's causing congestion.</li><li>Take an antihistamine or decongestant before bed.</li></ul>5. Take over-the-counter medication. OTC medications, like antihistamines and decongestants, will relieve some discomfort, but they cannot help you recover any faster.6. Try a neti pot. Humans have been using some version of a neti pot to ease nasal congestion for about 3,000 years. It may not help speed up your recovery, but it can relieve some symptoms.When <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-use-a-neti-pot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">using a neti pot</a>, it's extremely important to have sterile water. You can buy sterile water at the store, or you can sterilize tap water from your faucet by boiling it and letting it cool before use, or passing it through a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/sinus-rinsing.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC-approved filter</a>. <h3>What doesn't work</h3>Unless instructed by your doctor, it's best to avoid the following:Sweating it out. When you're sick with a cold, you're already losing fluids, and sweating will only accelerate that process. So, <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-sweat-out-a-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no, you can't sweat out a cold</a>, and trying to do so will likely dehydrate you and make you feel worse than you already do.Antibiotics. <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-antibiotics-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antibiotics work</a> when you have a bacterial infection, like strep throat or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Since the common cold is a viral infection, antibiotics cannot treat it. Moreover, when taken unnecessarily, <a href="https://www.insider.com/do-antibiotics-weaken-the-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antibiotics may weaken your immune system.</a>Antivirals. Yes, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-antivirals-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antivirals work</a> to help treat viral infections. However, there are no current antiviral medications specifically for the common cold. There are a couple drugs, like Tamiflu, that can help with the flu. Herbal remedies. Small, preliminary studies suggest that herbal remedies like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elderberry</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">garlic</a>, and <a href="https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/ginseng-effective-in-common-cold-study-suggests/10019455.article?firstPass=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ginseng</a> may relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. However, more research is needed to definitively determine these benefits for the general population.<h2>Risk Factors</h2>The average, healthy adult should recover from the common cold without a doctor's visit. However, the cold is a viral infection and sometimes the virus can grow out of control. That's when you'll experience more severe symptoms like:<ul><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Wheezing</li><li>Rapid breathing</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature" target="_blank" rel="noopener">High fever</a> above 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit</li><li>High fever for more than 4 days</li><li>Worsening cough, sore throat, or headache</li><li>Worsening symptoms beyond day 10 of the start of your illness</li></ul>If you experience these symptoms, it's critical that you seek medical aid immediately. Anyone may experience severe complications from the common cold, but the groups who are most at risk of worsening symptoms are:<ul><li>Infants and children younger than 6 years old</li><li>Elderly, ages 65 and up</li><li>People who are <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-immunocompromised-mean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immunocompromised</a></li><li>Chronic smokers</li></ul><h2>Prevention</h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-is-a-cold-contagious" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The common cold is a contagious disease</a>. It's usually transmitted through viral-infected mucus droplets in the air, like when someone sneezes. In fact, virus-teeming droplets from a sneeze can travel up to 26 feet. Learn more about how contagious a single sneeze is in the video below.You may also contract a cold virus by touching an infected surface and then your face before washing your hands. It depends on the surface, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces" target="_blank" rel="noopener">viruses can live</a> for hours to multiple days on a specific surface. Therefore, the best way to prevent colds — especially at the height of cold season — is to:<ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-should-you-wash-your-hands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wash your hands</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-hand-sanitizer-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use hand sanitizer</a> in a pinch</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-disinfect-your-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disinfect your home</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-the-dryer-kill-germs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disinfect your clothes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-you-shouldnt-wear-shoes-in-the-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don't wear shoes in the house</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-clean-toothbrush" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clean your toothbrush</a>, especially if you have roommates who might be sick</li></ul>There are also lifestyle changes you can make to build up your body's defense systems. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-exercise-help-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">regular exercise can help keep your immune system</a> healthy, making it easier for you to fend off infections when you're exposed in the future.<h2>Takeaway</h2>It can be very difficult to differentiate a cold from the flu, or even COVID-19, and may even require lab tests to make a diagnosis. However, getting diagnosed, especially early in the course, can impact your treatment options, so it's important to see a doctor if you think you may have anything besides a common cold.If it's the cold, you'll likely be bed-ridden and away from work, family, and friends for a solid week. But if you take care of yourself, request the necessary time off, and get enough sleep and nutrients, you may start to feel better even sooner than you expect.

How to tell if you have a cold and what you can do to recover faster

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12404048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="common-cold" source="Orion">Common cold</keyword> symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headaches, and sneezing.</li><li>There's no cure for the common cold, but you can speed up your recovery.</li><li>Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, and eat healthy foods packed with vitamins A, E, B6, D.</li></ul>The common cold affects millions of Americans each year. It can strike at any time, but most people get sick during the winter and spring. Related Article Module: 10 common causes of body aches without a fever, and when to see a doctorCommon cold viruses target the upper respiratory tract and trigger symptoms like cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. There's no vaccine against cold viruses, but there are steps you can take to speed up the recovery process and prevent future illness. A cold will usually resolve on its own without a doctor's visit. However, it can be difficult to differentiate a cold from other, more serious, illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment for a cold as well as how to determine if your illness is more serious and you should seek medical aid.<h2>Symptoms</h2>Symptoms will crop up 1-3 days after exposure. Then, the first several days of symptoms are often the most severe. You'll likely experience a mix of the following:<ul><li>Body Aches</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-clear-a-stuffy-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congestion</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cough" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coughing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-headache" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Headaches</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-coronavirus-may-kill-your-sense-of-taste-and-smell-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Loss of smell and taste</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-runny-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Runny nose</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/cant-stop-sneezing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sneezing</a></li><li>Sore throat</li></ul><h2>Diagnosis</h2>The common cold can feel much like other viral infections including the flu and COVID-19 because they all affect the upper respiratory tract. However, there are some ways to determine if what you have<a href="https://www.insider.com/is-it-a-cold-or-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> is a cold or allergies</a> or something else. <h3>Check your symptoms</h3>You can begin to determine what type of illness you have by checking your symptoms, just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule. For example,<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-fever-without-a-thermometer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> fever</a> is a common symptom of the flu and COVID-19 but not the common cold - but you can still get COVID-19 without a fever. In general, you should treat a fever as a potential sign of a more serious illness.In addition to a fever, see the list of distinguishing symptoms below for the common cold, flu, allergies, and COVID-19: <div type="image" title="covid 19 compared to other common conditions table insider" height="1635" width="1668" msid="87593724" hostid="261"></div><h3>Note the time of year</h3>After you've confirmed your symptoms, the time of year may also be a helpful indicator. <ul><li>Colds are most common during the winter and spring months. <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-a-cold-in-the-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can also get a summer cold</a>, but the symptoms are usually different.</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-is-flu-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flu season</a> in the US usually starts in October and ends in February.</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-is-allergy-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Allergy season</a> is most intense the first week of May, but people can get allergies through the spring, summer, and fall.</li></ul><h3>Track how long you've been sick</h3>Finally, don't forget to track how long you've felt ill. <ul><li>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-a-cold-last" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common cold typically lasts 7-10 days</a> in adults and <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-a-cold-last-in-babies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">babies</a>.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-the-flu-last" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flu lasts about 7-14 days</a>.</li><li>Season allergies can last multiple weeks to months, or for as long as you're exposed to the offending allergen.</li></ul><h2>Treatment</h2>If you've determined that you have something besides a cold, then seek the proper treatment whether it's <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">getting your allergies under control</a> or fighting the flu.If it is <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-do-when-you-feel-a-cold-coming-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a cold that's coming on</a>, then there are a lot of remedies out there from which to choose. Some will help speed up your recovery. Others will only relieve symptoms. And a few aren't proven to help at all. <h3>What works</h3>Here are six common cold remedies that work:1. Stay hydrated. Colds can dehydrate you and deplete you of important nutrients you need to fight the virus. Therefore, it's important to make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids.Warm liquids - like broths and caffeine-free teas - <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have been shown</a> to help ease symptoms, including a sore throat and runny nose, more than room-temperature liquids.Avoid drinks that will dehydrate you like caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Also cut out sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and juice. Juice may contain nutrients like <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-vitamin-c-help-with-colds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C, which can help with a cold</a>, but the excess sugar can counteract any benefits by farther dehydrating you. Moreover, limited research in animals suggests that excess sugar may suppress the immune system, but more research is needed to determine how this could affect your recovery time.2. Eat right. Instead of guzzling a gallon of orange juice, focus on eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, like the following:<div type="image" title="foods vc" height="1446" width="1834" msid="87593725" hostid="261"></div>Other <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-eat-when-you-have-a-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foods to eat when you have a cold</a> are those with nutrients that will <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-boost-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost the immune system</a> and ramp up the healing process. These nutrients include vitamins A, E, B6, D, and minerals like zinc and iron. See below for foods rich in these nutrients:<div type="image" title="food and immune fucntion" height="5812" width="1834" msid="87593726" hostid="261"></div>3. Take a supplement. Being sick can sometimes make you lose your appetite. Therefore, a supplement may be in order. Focus on supplements that contain the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals you need. Insider Reviews has a list of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cold-remedies-that-work#apple-cider-vinegar-to-treat-your-sore-throat-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold remedies</a>, including helpful vitamin and mineral supplements.4. Get enough sleep. When you're asleep, that's when your body is working its hardest to fight inflammation and infection. But it can be difficult to get the recommended amount if you're all clogged up.Here are some tips for <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-sleep-with-a-stuffy-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to sleep with a stuffy nose</a>:<ul><li>Sleep on your back and add an extra pillow to prop your head up so the mucus has a chance to drain while you're sleeping.</li><li>Place a hot towel over your nose and forehead. The warmth will dilate the nasal passages and reduce the pressure from congestion as you drift off.</li><li>Run a humidifier in your room. The moist air can loosen up the mucus that's causing congestion.</li><li>Take an antihistamine or decongestant before bed.</li></ul>5. Take over-the-counter medication. OTC medications, like antihistamines and decongestants, will relieve some discomfort, but they cannot help you recover any faster.6. Try a neti pot. Humans have been using some version of a neti pot to ease nasal congestion for about 3,000 years. It may not help speed up your recovery, but it can relieve some symptoms.When <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-use-a-neti-pot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">using a neti pot</a>, it's extremely important to have sterile water. You can buy sterile water at the store, or you can sterilize tap water from your faucet by boiling it and letting it cool before use, or passing it through a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/sinus-rinsing.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC-approved filter</a>. <h3>What doesn't work</h3>Unless instructed by your doctor, it's best to avoid the following:Sweating it out. When you're sick with a cold, you're already losing fluids, and sweating will only accelerate that process. So, <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-sweat-out-a-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no, you can't sweat out a cold</a>, and trying to do so will likely dehydrate you and make you feel worse than you already do.Antibiotics. <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-antibiotics-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antibiotics work</a> when you have a bacterial infection, like strep throat or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Since the common cold is a viral infection, antibiotics cannot treat it. Moreover, when taken unnecessarily, <a href="https://www.insider.com/do-antibiotics-weaken-the-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antibiotics may weaken your immune system.</a>Antivirals. Yes, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-antivirals-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antivirals work</a> to help treat viral infections. However, there are no current antiviral medications specifically for the common cold. There are a couple drugs, like Tamiflu, that can help with the flu. Herbal remedies. Small, preliminary studies suggest that herbal remedies like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elderberry</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">garlic</a>, and <a href="https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/ginseng-effective-in-common-cold-study-suggests/10019455.article?firstPass=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ginseng</a> may relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. However, more research is needed to definitively determine these benefits for the general population.<h2>Risk factors</h2>The average, healthy adult should recover from the common cold without a doctor's visit. However, the cold is a viral infection and sometimes the virus can grow out of control. That's when you'll experience more severe symptoms like:<ul><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Wheezing</li><li>Rapid breathing</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature" target="_blank" rel="noopener">High fever</a> above 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit</li><li>High fever for more than 4 days</li><li>Worsening cough, sore throat, or headache</li><li>Worsening symptoms beyond day 10 of the start of your illness</li></ul>If you experience these symptoms, it's critical that you seek medical aid immediately. Anyone may experience severe complications from the common cold, but the groups who are most at risk of worsening symptoms are:<ul><li>Infants and children younger than 6 years old</li><li>Elderly, ages 65 and up</li><li>People who are <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-immunocompromised-mean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immunocompromised</a></li><li>Chronic smokers</li></ul><h2>Prevention</h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-is-a-cold-contagious" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The common cold is a contagious disease</a>. It's usually transmitted through viral-infected mucus droplets in the air, like when someone sneezes. In fact, virus-teeming droplets from a sneeze can travel up to 26 feet. Learn more about how contagious a single sneeze is in the video below.You may also contract a cold virus by touching an infected surface and then your face before washing your hands. It depends on the surface, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-do-viruses-live-on-surfaces" target="_blank" rel="noopener">viruses can live</a> for hours to multiple days on a specific surface. Therefore, the best way to prevent colds - especially at the height of cold season - is to:<ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-should-you-wash-your-hands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wash your hands</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-hand-sanitizer-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use hand sanitizer</a> in a pinch</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-disinfect-your-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disinfect your home</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-the-dryer-kill-germs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disinfect your clothes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-you-shouldnt-wear-shoes-in-the-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don't wear shoes in the house</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-clean-toothbrush" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clean your toothbrush</a>, especially if you have roommates who might be sick</li></ul>There are also lifestyle changes you can make to build up your body's defense systems. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-exercise-help-immune-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">regular exercise can help keep your immune system</a> healthy, making it easier for you to fend off infections when you're exposed in the future.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>It can be very difficult to differentiate a cold from the flu, or even COVID-19, and may even require lab tests to make a diagnosis. However, getting diagnosed, especially early in the course, can impact your treatment options, so it's important to see a doctor if you think you may have anything besides a common cold.If it's the cold, you'll likely be bed-ridden and away from work, family, and friends for a solid week. But if you take care of yourself, request the necessary time off, and get enough sleep and nutrients, you may start to feel better even sooner than you expect.<a data-type="617af8651d21a1020d0be359">8 of the best home remedies to soothe a cough naturally, according to doctors</a><a data-type="6179a67be7f71729570693cd">8 ways to stop a runny nose from allergies, cold, or flu</a><a data-type="5dc48fdbe94e866fc94566f4">Does the flu shot give you the flu? No, but there are side effects</a><a data-type="609d6daeb4ed6f62a77b8579">The flu vaccine isn't 100% effective, but experts recommend you still get it every year</a>

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