To Treat a Cold or the Flu
Rest.
Drink lots of liquids.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain and/or fever as directed.
Use over-the-counter saline nasal drops or spray, such as Ocean brand. Use as directed on the label.
Use a cool-mist vaporizer. This adds moisture to the air.
Eat chicken soup. It helps clear out mucus.
Take echinacea, zinc lozenges, and/or vitamin C as advised by your doctor when cold or flu symptoms start. Don't take echinacea and/or zinc lozenges long term. These do not prevent colds and flu.
Suck on lozenges and hard candies to moisten a sore throat. (Don't give these to children under age 5).
Gargle with: Warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) or 1 tablespoon of hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon of mouthwash.
Don't suppress a cough that brings up mucus. Ask your pharmacist for an over-the-counter expectorant medicine with guifenesin. {Note: See information on "Expectorant" in Your Home Pharmacy.}
For a sore throat, see Self-Care / Prevention under Sore Throat topic.
Take at least 20 seconds to wash your hands using soap and running water.
This is the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.