A person in bed with a thermometer in their mouth

Cold and Flu Treatment

Over-the-counter medications, rest, and hydration usually provide relief for the cold or flu, but sometimes it's not enough. Learn when to see a doctor.

Explore Treatment

All Over the Counter
Chicken noodle soup
What You Can Do for a Friend With the Flu
Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO
Woman lying on the couch with the flu
Using Relenza as an Antiviral Flu Treatment
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Woman with nasal congestion
The 7 Best Sinus Decongestants of 2021
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
cough medicine in measuring cup and thermometer
How the Flu Is Treated
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Man Using Nasal Spray Inhaler.
What to Know About Using a Nasal Spray
Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD
Sick woman taking her temperature
This Is When to See a Doctor for Your Fever
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Man coughing at visit with a doctor.
When to See a Doctor for Your Cough
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Cinnamon and honey
Do Honey and Cinnamon Cure the Flu?
Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD
A woman blowing her nose
Can Umcka Ease Colds and Sore Throats?
Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD
Elderberry
Elderberry: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
Medically reviewed by Andy Miller, MD
Doctor examining patients throat in doctors office
When to See a Doctor for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH
Thermometer
How to Use a Thermometer to Check for Fever
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
man rinsing sinuses
How to Rinse Your Sinuses
Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD
Sick woman with a humidifier
How to Choose the Right Humidifier for Your Needs
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
cropped view of ill woman with grey scarf taking cough syrup
6 Ways to Stop a Cough
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Woman blowing nose
Expectorants: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
honey for cough
Using Natural Remedies for Coughs
Medically reviewed by Emily Dashiell, ND
mother using cloth to wipe feverish daughter's forehead
Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol to Bring Down a Fever?
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Tamiflu packaging
Should You Use Antiviral Medications for the Flu?
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
cold medicine on nightstand with woman in bed in background
How a Cold Is Treated
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
young woman blowing her nose with her boyfriend in the background.
When to See a Doctor About Nasal Congestion
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH
Closeup woman pouring medication or antipyretic syrup from bottle to cup.
How Decongestants Work and Their Possible Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Throat lozenges close up
Understanding Cough Suppressants
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
A doctor writes a prescription for medication.
Prescription Medications for Colds or Flu
Medically reviewed by Andy Miller, MD
antibiotics
Why You Don't Need Antibiotics for a Cold or Flu
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Cold medicine and sick woman drinking
Can Cold Medicine Be Dangerous?
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
boxes of tamiflu
Taking Tamiflu to Treat the Flu
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
A bowl of honey and cinnamon sticks on a tray
Home Remedies: Can Cinnamon and Honey Cure a Cold?
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH
Young boy at school coughing into his arm
Medicinal and Home Cough Remedies for Kids
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Cut ginger
11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
a cup of tea next to a cutting board with sliced lemons
Natural Remedies for Combating the Flu
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO
How to Diagnose and Treat a Cough
Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD
Doctor showing patient results on a tablet.
How to Find a Doctor When You Are Sick
Fact checked by James Lacy
Don't Take Antibiotics That Aren't Prescribed to You
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Pelargonium sidiodes (black geranium)
Pelargonium Sidoides: Benefits, Side Effects, Interaction
Medically reviewed by Jenny Sweigard, MD
Yerba santa powder, dried herb, capsules, and extract
Yerba Santa: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations
Medically reviewed by Emily Dashiell, ND
Cough Drops
The 6 Best Cough Drops of 2021
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Hands holding pills
Taking Allergy Medications for a Cold
Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO
Cough Medications
Choosing Over-the-Counter Cough Medications
Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD
Man holding sinus area
Before You Buy Aleve Cold and Sinus
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Man coughing
What Is Robitussin Cough and Cold CF?
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
BoogieMistFresh3oz.jpeg
Boogie Mist Nasal Spray for Kids Review
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Man sick in bed
Before You Buy Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
A woman looking medicine in the pharmacy aisle
Overview of Sudafed PE for Cold and Flu
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
cold medicine aisle
Can I Take This Cold Medication With That One?
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Woman rubbing something into bottom of the feet
Can Vicks Vapo Rub on the Feet Help With a Cough?
Medically reviewed by Keri Peterson, MD
medicine
Overdosing on Cold and Flu Medications
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Girl sitting up in bed coughing
All About Zarbee's Naturals Cough and Cold Products
Fact checked by Dale Brauner
woman looking at medication in store aisle
Over-the-Counter Cold and Flu Medications
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Tylenol tablets
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Robitussin cold medicine
What to Know Before You Buy Robitussin DM
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
FDA Issues Warning On Drug Found In Over The Counter Pain Medicine Aleve
All About Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Medications
Medically reviewed by Keri Peterson, MD
FDA Announces Use Of Zicam Nasal Spray Can Lead To Loss Of Smell
Is Zicam Effective at Treating Cold Symptoms?
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Ibuprofen pain relief tablets
Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Facts and Concerns
Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD
Nighttime Congestion
Sudafed Drug Profile and Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Woman coughing
What You Need to Know About DayQuil Cold and Flu
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Girl taking cough syrup
What You Should Know About Delsym Cough Syrup
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
sinus rinse pot
Sinus Rinses to Clear Congestion
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig
Pouring some cough syrup
Is NyQuil Right for You and Your Symptoms?
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO