Survival Guide for the Common Cold

  • Try over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen for fever and symptom-specific drugs for coughs or stuffy noses.

  • Drink lots of fluids.

  • Use a cool-mist vaporizer to break up congestion.

  • Soothe sore throats with sprays and lozenges.

  • Be patient. It's normal for a cold to last more than a week; coughs can persist for two weeks.

Is it the flu? Call the doctor if:

  • fever increases (more 101F)
  • sore throats worsen
  • earaches worsen
  • breathing becomes rapid or difficult

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