Drink warm fluids (water, tea, broth)
Stay hydrated
Use honey (1–2 teaspoons) as needed
Use throat lozenges or hard candy
Gargle warm salt water
Use a humidifier or take steamy showers
Use saline nasal spray or rinse if post-nasal drip is present
Avoid smoke, vaping, and strong fragrances
Avoid alcohol and very cold drinks if they worsen symptoms
Sleep with your head elevated
Try over-the-counter cough suppressants if you have a dry, irritating cough (follow label directions)
Try over-the-counter expectorants/mucolytics if you have thick mucus (follow label directions)
Use pain/fever reducers if needed (follow label directions)
Consider an antihistamine if allergy symptoms are present (follow label directions)
Seek medical care urgently if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, blue lips, severe weakness, or confusion
Seek medical care if cough lasts more than 3 weeks
Seek medical care if you have a high fever, worsening symptoms, or signs of pneumonia (e.g., shortness of breath, persistent fever)
Contact a clinician before using OTC medicines for children, during pregnancy, or with chronic conditions