Common Cold Treatment Overview

There are many ways to relieve cold symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Common cold treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, drinking lots of fluids, and allowing your body to rest.

• Options include OTC medications like decongestants, nasal sprays, and nasal rinses (like a Neti pot) to relieve cold symptoms.
• Cough suppressants and expectorants (to thin mucus) can help if you also have a cough.
• Always read the label on OTC medications and follow the instructions. Many cold and flu medications, like Dayquil and Tylenol Cold & Flu, contain multiple active ingredients, so be careful when combining medications.
• Some natural supplements like zinc lozenges have been shown to shorten how long your cold lasts.

Cold treatments next steps

You may need to see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are really bad or not going away after 7–10 days. Also see a provider if you have a fever for more than 3 days that does not improve when taking Tylenol or other fever-reducing medication. A lasting fever may be a sign of a bacterial infection.