Sept. 28, 2023—Cough. Runny nose. Sore throat. Congestion. There's no cure for a cold. But there are plenty of things you can do to ease these common symptoms.
Here are six tips, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical experts:
1. Get plenty of rest and fluids. These basics can lessen your discomfort and help your body recover. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Can soup really help you feel better? Find out, and learn other facts about the common cold.
2. Clear a stuffy nose. Is it hard to breathe through your stuffiness? Try using a saline spray or nasal drops to keep your nasal passages open.
3. Run a humidifier. Moist air in your home may also help with nasal congestion, as well as help keep your nose and throat from feeling uncomfortably dry.
4. Soothe a sore throat. Throat lozenges can help. (Do not give lozenges to children younger than 4 years; they can choke on them.) You might also try gargling salt water.
5. Contain a cough. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough drops can help ease a cough. You might also take a little honey before bedtime to help with a nighttime cough. (Do not give honey to children younger than 1 year; honey may contain bacteria that can harm babies.)
6. Take OTC medicines as directed. If you use a nonprescription medicine to treat your cold symptoms, always read and follow the directions carefully. Options include decongestant nose sprays that contain pseudoephedrine (they're stored behind the counter, so you'll need to ask your pharmacist for them), as well as pain relievers and fever reducers.
If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor which cold medicines are safe to take. Decongestants may raise blood pressure. You should also consult a doctor before giving kids under 4 years any cough or cold medicines.
Another thing to know: Antibiotics won't help your cold. They work against bacteria, not viruses, which cause colds.
When to call the doctor
Most colds improve within seven days. If your cold symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it may be time to contact a doctor for advice, according to CDC.
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