Rest and get plenty of sleep
Drink fluids (water, broth, herbal tea, oral rehydration solutions)
Use fever and pain relief as needed (acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if safe for you)
Manage congestion and cough with appropriate over-the-counter options (decongestants, saline nasal spray, throat lozenges, cough suppressants/expectorants as directed)
Use a humidifier or take warm showers to ease breathing discomfort
Gargle warm salt water for sore throat
Eat light, nutritious foods as tolerated
Consider antiviral medication (oseltamivir, zanamivir, baloxavir) when started early and/or if you are high risk—contact a clinician promptly
Stay home and avoid close contact with others to reduce spread
Cover coughs and wash hands often
Replace toothbrush and wash linens/towels after you start feeling better
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips/face, severe dehydration, or worsening symptoms
Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, have chronic heart/lung/kidney disease, are very young/older, or symptoms are severe or last more than about a week
Avoid aspirin in children and teens
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Do not take antibiotics unless prescribed for a confirmed bacterial infection