Sip warm fluids (tea, broth, warm water)
Stay well-hydrated
Use honey (1–2 teaspoons) as needed
Gargle with warm salt water
Use steam or a humidifier
Take a warm shower or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water
Avoid smoke, vaping, strong fragrances, and other irritants
Avoid cold air; use a scarf or mask in cold weather
Rest your voice and avoid talking loudly
Keep head elevated when lying down
Try throat lozenges or hard candies
Use saline nasal spray or rinse if post-nasal drip is present
Treat allergies if you have them (consider an antihistamine if appropriate)
Consider OTC cough suppressants if appropriate (follow label directions)
Consider OTC expectorants if you have mucus (follow label directions)
If reflux symptoms are present, avoid late meals, spicy/fatty foods, and elevate your head during sleep
Wash hands often and avoid close contact with sick people
Seek urgent care if coughing up blood, breathing is difficult, or you have chest pain
Seek urgent care if you have high fever, severe weakness, or bluish lips/face
Contact a clinician if cough lasts more than 3 weeks, is worsening, or you have asthma/COPD, immune suppression, or are pregnant
Contact a clinician for children if cough is persistent, causing trouble breathing, or accompanied by wheezing or dehydration