Managing Your Cold and Flu at Home and When to Call the Doctor

Most people recover from a cold or the flu on their own, but symptoms like cough, congestion, and runny nose can be uncomfortable. There are plenty of safe over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and simple home remedies that can help you feel better as your body fights the virus.

Medications, Vitamins and Natural Options for Cold and Flu Symptom Relief

Pain and Fever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with headaches, body aches, and fever. Always follow the dose instructions and check with your doctor if you have other health conditions.

Nasal Congestion: Saline nasal sprays or rinses are safe and can help clear stuffy noses. Short-term use (up to 3 days) of nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) may help but using them longer can make congestion worse. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may also help, but be sure to check with your doctor if you have a heart condition as these medications can raise blood pressure.

Cough: There are several medications and natural ways to alleviate a stubborn cough.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin) is a common cough suppressant found in many OTC cold and flu products. It works by reducing the urge to cough and may provide modest, short-term relief for coughing adults. It is generally safe when used as directed, but taking more than recommended can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. Dextromethorphan is not recommended for children under 4 years and should be used with caution in older children.

Cough drops and honey (not for children under 1 year) can soothe a sore throat and cough. Honey can also be just as effective as dextromethorphan for mild cough relief.

A simple and effective way to help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive is drinking plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated helps thin out mucus naturally, making it easier to clear your nose and chest. Our physicians recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day when you have a cold or flu.

Zinc and Vitamin C: Taking zinc within 24 hours of noticing cold symptoms may help shorten the length of a cold by about two days, but be sure to take zinc with food as increasing zinc can sometimes cause nausea.

Taking Vitamin C regularly and before you get sick can also help to slightly shorten colds. Consider increasing your Vitamin C intake when you plan to travel or during cold and flu season as a proactive measure.

Combination Products: Other combination products (such as those containing antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers) are also widely available and may offer modest relief for multiple symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing in adults. Studies show that these products can help some people feel better, especially in the first day or two of illness, but the overall benefit is small and may not last beyond the first few days. These products can cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate, so use them with caution and avoid them in older adults or those with certain health conditions.

Common Medications to Avoid for Cold and Flu:

Antibiotics: These do not help with colds or the flu, since these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Taking antibiotics when not needed can cause side effects, worsening GI upset, and antibiotic resistance.

Oral Phenylephrine: Recent studies show it does not work well for nasal congestion and is not recommended.

First-generation antihistamines (Benadryl): These can cause drowsiness and are best avoided in older adults.

Newer, non-drowsy antihistamines: Products like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) do not help with cold symptoms.

OTC cold medicines in children under 6 years: These can be harmful and are not recommended.

General Tips for Alleviating Cold and Flu Symptoms at Home

If you’re looking for ways to alleviate cold and flu symptoms without taking medication, below are several best practices that help to address symptoms at home and support your recovery to wellness.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, clear broths and focus on soup-based meals to keep mucus thin and soothe your throat. Warm liquids also help to relieve congestion and provide comfort.

Rest: Give your body time to heal by getting enough sleep and avoiding strenuous activity.

Use Humidified Air: A cool-mist humidifier or steam inhalation can ease nasal congestion and soothe irritated airways. Be sure to clean your devices, especially if they have not been used in a while.

Nasal Irrigation: Using saline nasal sprays or rinses regularly can help clear mucus and reduce nasal symptoms. Always use sterile or distilled water for nasal rinses.
Good Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands often helps prevent germs from spreading to others and reduces reinfection risk.
Avoid Smoking and Irritants: Smoke and strong odors can worsen symptoms and delay healing.

When to See a Doctor: Signs of Possible Bacterial Infection

If you have a chronic health condition, like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, are elderly, or have a weakened immune system, contact your doctor sooner if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Most colds and flu get better on their own. OTC medicines can help ease symptoms, but combining them with simple home remedies like rest, hydration, and nasal saline rinses can improve comfort safely. Always read labels carefully and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have other health conditions or take other medications. If you notice any warning signs of a possible bacterial infection, seek medical care promptly.

Taking care of yourself with these conservative tips alongside OTC options can help you feel better while your body fights the virus.

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This post was written by Dr. Tam Tran, a primary care physician double board certified in family medicine and obesity medicine at Family Medicine of Clifton/Centreville.