Common Cold Treatment Overview

When to see a healthcare provider

You may need to see a healthcare provider if your common cold symptoms, like congestion and cough, are bad or not going away after 7–10 days. Also, if you have a fever for more than 3 days that does not improve by taking Tylenol or other fever-reducing medication, see a doctor. A lasting fever may be a sign of a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with an antibiotic.

What to expect from your visit

• A provider can make sure you don’t have a bacterial infection, like sinusitis or bacterial bronchitis.
• They can recommend prescription medications to treat symptoms that may be getting worse due to cold virus, like a cough.

Types of common cold providers

• A primary care provider can treat a common cold and related symptoms.

How to treat your cold symptoms

You can usually treat your cold symptoms—congestion, runny nose, and sore throat—with rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking OTC medications.

• OTC medications to relieve nasal symptoms include decongestants, nasal sprays, and nasal rinses (like a Neti pot).
• Cough suppressants and expectorants (to thin mucus) may help if you have a cough.
• Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Adivl, Motrin) can help a headache, sore throat, and fever

OTC treatments for a common cold

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for headache, sore throat, and fever
• Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine
• Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (these should not be given to children under 4 years old)
• Expectorants (Mucinex) thin and loosen mucus to help stop coughing.
• Inhalers containing cromolyn sodium may help a runny nose and sneezing.

There is some evidence that certain vitamins and supplements may shorten how long your cold lasts or reduce your symptoms. The following are considered safe to take.

• Vitamin C: Emergen-C or Airborne
• Vitamin D
• Zinc lozenges (Zicam) may reduce the number of colds you have each year, and may make them go away faster.
• Elderberry
• Pelargonium sidoides
• Garlic, ginseng, or echinacea supplements

How can I treat a common cold

• Moisturize airways with nasal irrigation (like saline spray or a Neti pot).
• Set up a humidifier in your bedroom to relieve congestion.
• Honey or lozenges can soothe your throat (do not give honey to children under 1 year old).
• Avoid irritants such as smoke and heavy air pollution—they can worsen your symptoms and slow the healing process.
• Drink warm liquids like tea and soup.