what is the best treatment for flu and colds

Healthline.com

1. Chicken soup...effective for reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections in particular...

2. Ginger...may help soothe a cough or sore throat...

3. Honey...has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties...

4. Garlic...

5. Echinacea...

6. Vitamin C...

7. Probiotics...

8. Salt water...

Learn More...

Mayoclinic.org

1. Stay hydrated...water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration...

2. Rest...your body needs to heal...

3. Soothe a sore throat...

4. Combat stuffiness...

5. Relieve pain...

6. Sip warm liquids...

7. Add moisture to the air...

Learn More...

Medicalnewstoday.com

1. Zinc...prevents rhinovirus...

2. Honey...allow it to fight some bacteria and viruses...

3. Echinacea...help prevent colds and relieve nasal symptoms...

4. Garlic...it has antibacterial and antiviral properties...

5. Menthol...

6. Vitamin D...

7. Oregano oil...

8. Reducing stress and sleeping well...

Learn More...

What is the best over the counter flu remedy?

The best fluids to drink are:

• clear liquids, such as water and broth
• over-the-counter preparations like Pedialyte (good choice for any age)
• sports drinks, which can help with electrolyte replacement (this should be reserved for older children and adults)

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What is the best over the counter medicine for cold?

What medicines should I take to treat a cold?

• Solaray Echinacea Vitamin C & Zinc 425mg Supplement, $14.29. ...
• Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets, $9.47. ...
• Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief Tablets, $26.48. ...

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What is the best cold and flu medicine?

Flu season is here and Beaumont’s Dr. Joel Fishbain, an infectious disease specialist, answers questions about what to know about the flu, how to avoid it and how the flu is different from COVID-19. While flu, COVID-19 and the common cold are all ...

Which is natural cold remedies actually work?

The best natural cold and flu remedies

1. Hydration. Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated.
2. Vitamin C. While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold.
3. Sleep. ...
4. Honey and tea. ...
5. Chicken soup. ...
6. Aromatherapy. ...
7. A steamy shower. ...
8. Gargling warm salt water. ...

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Which medicine is best for common cold and flu?

To ease the discomfort from specific cold and flu symptoms, consider using the following types of OTC medicines:To reduce fever and pain — analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is generally preferred. ... To dry out the nose — antihistamines: Try an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).More items...•

How do you cure the flu fast?

In this ArticleStay home and get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids.Treat aches and fever.Take care of your cough.Sit in a steamy bathroom.Run the humidifier.Try a lozenge.Get salty.More items...•

How can I make my cold and flu go away faster?

Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.Stay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner. ... Hydrate. ... Sleep as much as possible. ... Ease your breathing. ... Eat healthy foods. ... Add moisture to the air. ... Take OTC medications. ... Try elderberry.More items...

What is the most effective medicine for flu?

Key takeaways: Antiviral prescription flu medicines, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), Rapivab (peramivir), and Relenza (zanamivir), can help shorten the flu, while over-the-counter (OTC) medications mainly treat symptoms.

Does vitamin C help with flu?

In studies in which people took vitamin C only after they got a cold, vitamin C did not improve their symptoms. A note about safety: Vitamin C is generally considered safe; however, high doses can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea and nausea. Echinacea has not been proven to help prevent or treat colds.

What is the fastest home remedy for flu?

We'll review 10 natural remedies and explain how to use them, and why they can help.Drink water and fluids. Drinking water and other fluids is even more important when you have the flu. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Drink warm broth. ... Up your zinc intake. ... Rinse with salt water. ... Drink herbal tea. ... Apply essential oils. ... Use a humidifier.More items...•

Does vitamin C help with colds?

Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to help prevent colds. But findings have been inconsistent. Overall, experts have found little to no benefit from vitamin C for preventing or treating the common cold.

How do I know if I have a cold or Covid?

Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses....Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?Symptom or signCOVID-19ColdTirednessUsuallySometimesSneezingRarelySometimesSore throatUsuallyUsuallyRunny or stuffy noseUsuallyUsually6 more rows

What can I drink for flu?

Sip clear drinks to keep your fluids up. You can try chipped ice, juices, sports drinks, ginger ale, clear broths, gelatin, and ice pops. Start with small amounts, like 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children. Only use clear liquids (clear broth, juice, lemon-lime soda).

What medications can I take to relieve the symptoms of Covid-19?

Managing COVID-19 symptoms You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.

How do you treat Covid flu symptoms?

Whether you have flu or COVID-19 with mild symptoms, there are ways you can manage your symptoms at home:Hydrate. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, such as water, juice and warm soups, to prevent dehydration. ... Rest. Catch up on your sleep to help your immune system fight off the infection.Medicate.

Is there antibiotic for flu?

Antibiotics cannot help flu symptoms. The flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics needlessly may increase your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

What are some ways to get rid of a cold?

The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include: 1 Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 2 Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

How to make yourself miserable with colds?

It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

How to heal a sore throat from a swollen throat?

Rest. Your body needs rest to heal. Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

How long do you stay sick after catching a cold?

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:

How to get rid of coughing in older adults?

Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea. Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to help a coughing child?

Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.

Can you take aspirin with chickenpox?

Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. Sip warm liquids.

What to do if you have the flu?

CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

What is the name of the medication that is prescribed to treat the flu?

There are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu illness. What are antiviral drugs? Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu in your respiratory tract. Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter.

What is an antiviral?

Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Flu antivirals are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, intravenous solution, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia, ...

Why is it important to take antiviral medicine early?

It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with flu (for example, people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition.

How long does it take for antiviral drugs to work?

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatments when they are started within 2 days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from flu (for example, hospitalized patients).

How to keep from getting sick?

While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Can you buy antiviral medication over the counter?

Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.

How to blow your nose when you have a cold?

But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.

How to get rid of nasal congestion?

Or make your own. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for 20 seconds at a time in a microwave (test the temperature first to make sure it's not too hot). Or take a small bag of frozen peas to use as a cold pack . This will help with the drainage of nasal passages.

How to get rid of tickle in throat?

To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or, steep one tablespoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling.

Why does it hurt when you fly with cold?

Flying with cold or flu congestion can hurt your eardrums as a result of pressure changes during takeoff and landing. If you must fly, ask your doctor about using a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure.

Can you cure the flu over the counter?

With no cure in sight for the cold or the flu, over-the-counter treatments can at best bring symptom relief or shorten the duration of those symptoms. Or you can take the natural approach. WebMD explores some home remedies that may help you feel better along the way.

How to reduce the severity of a cold?

For example, it may ease sore throat pain and nasal congestion. Gargling with salt water reduces and loosens mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens. To try this remedy at home , dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.

How to help a child with cold symptoms?

Vapor rub. You might not like the smell, but some old-fashioned topical ointments, such as vapor rub, appear to reduce cold symptoms in children older than 2 years. Just one or two applications before bed can help open air passages to combat congestion, reduce coughing, and improve sleep.

What to do if you have trouble breathing?

If you have trouble breathing, have a rapid heartbeat, feel faint, or experience other severe symptoms, get medical help sooner. Keep reading to see what cold and flu remedies you can conjure up at home.

What are the best supplements for a respiratory infection?

Probiotics . Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria and yeast that are found in your body, some foods, and supplements. They can help keep your gut and immune system healthy, and research indicates. that probiotics may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection.

What is the best way to reduce phlegm?

Along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may reduce phlegm when you’re sick. Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help.

How to stop mold and fungus from growing?

Get a humidifier online and start breathing easier. Remember, the water used in humidifiers needs to be changed daily to stop mold and other fungi from growing. For the same effect without a humidifier, take a long shower or linger in a steamy bathroom.

How does humidity affect the spread of the flu?

Humidity. Influenza thrives and spreads more easily in dry environments. Creating more humidity in your home may reduce your exposure to this flu-causing virus. Increased humidity may also reduce nasal inflammation, making it easier to breathe when you’re sick.

How to get rid of a swollen nose?

Here's a popular recipe: Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking sodain 8 ounces of warm water. Use a bulb syringe or nasal irrigationkit to squirt water into the nose.

How to relieve pressure when flying?

If you must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray with you to use just before takeoff and landing. Chewing gum and swallowing frequently can also help relieve pressure. #12 Eat Infection-Fighting Foods. Here are some good foods to eat when you're battling a cold or flu:

How to get rid of tickle in throat?

To reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle -- such as tea that contains tannin -- to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick, viscous gargle made with honey or honey and apple cider vinegar. Seep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix with one teaspoon of honey.

What is the best over the counter medicine for colds?

To treat coughs, Oostman said his best advice is to look for cough medicines with dextromethorphan (one brand is Robitussin) or guaifenesin (such as Mucinex ).

How to get rid of mucus in nose?

If you’re not well-hydrated, it’s harder to blow out the mucus. Oostman recommends using a nasal saline spray and gargling with warm saltwater to break up the mucus and keep things moving.

Does ibuprofen help with respiratory infections?

The results showed no benefit in using ibuprofen in combination with or instead of paracetamol in relieving cold ...

Is steam inhalation effective?

Steam inhalation was also ineffective. In fact, the study showed that return visits to the doctor for new or unresolved symptoms were more common among those who took ibuprofen than those who took acetaminophen (20 percent vs. 12 percent).

Is ibuprofen good for colds?

Ibuprofen may be powerless when it comes to treating the common cold. A new British study found the popular pain reliever ineffective at treating symptoms like sore throat, cough, and sinus pain associated with respiratory tract infections, such as colds. Doctors often recommend ibuprofen either alone or in combination with acetaminophen ...

How to get rid of a cold and cough?

If you want to get rid of your cold and cough, you need to take it easy. Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Push yourself too hard, and it will just exhaust you and stress you out. That can make your cold, cough, and sore throat hang around longer. Gargle with salt water.

How to get rid of coughing?

Sip some warm tea or chicken soup to heat up your airways. Not only will it hydrate you, but the warmth helps break up mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Use cough medicine. Sometimes you need to cough to get out nasty mucus. But other times you need to calm your cough, like when you want to sleep.

How to get rid of a sore throat?

Menthol and certain herbal cough drops can slightly numb and soothe your sore throat. But sucking on plain hard candy may work just as well. Try a teaspoon of honey. This traditional remedy for sore throat may help soothe coughs, too.

What is the best medicine for sore throat?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with sore throat pain. Aspirin is fine for adults, but it could be dangerous to children under age 18. Try a throat spray or lozenge. Some have a drug that helps soothe and numb the throat. They can give you temporary sore throat relief.

How to calm cough?

But other times you need to calm your cough, like when you want to sleep. Over-the-counter cough medicine can help. Expectorants help you cough up mucus. Cough suppressants reduce your urge to cough. If you're not sure which kind you need, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use a decongestant.

What are the symptoms of a cough?

If you have a cough with any of these symptoms, see a doctor: Shortness of breath. Coughing up blood, bloody mucus, or pink foamy mucus. Coughing up green, tan, or yellow mucus. Fever, chills, or chest pain when you breathe deeply.

Is it safe to smoke if you are sick?

Avoid dirty air. You know smoke isn’t good for you, but it’s especially bad when you're sick.

How long does it take for a cold to go away?

If your cold symptoms do not change after 2 weeks or if you develop a high fever at any point during your sickness, if you have trouble breathing or eating, or if you have extreme pain, severe weakness, or rash, you can call your doctor. READ THIS NEXT.

How long does a cold last?

This does not allow you to avoid infection with bacteria. Cold symptoms normally last 1 to 2 weeks, while chest colds generally last 2 to 3 weeks (bronchitis). You may have an allergy, a result of the flu, or some other explanation behind your symptoms if your symptoms do not change after 1 to 2 weeks.

How long does it take for a cold to show symptoms?

Symptoms. Which Antibiotic Is Best for Cough and Cold. Cold symptoms typically peak within 2 to 3 days and can include the following:

How many viruses can a cold cause?

A cold can cause more than 200 viruses, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. Via the air and near physical contact, viruses that because colds will transmit from person to person.

How to get rid of mucus in infants?

Using a sterile humidifier or a vaporizer with a cool spray. Using nasal saline spray or fall. Using a silicone suction bulb for mucus clearance for young children. From a tub of hot water or pool, breathe in the steam. Suck the lozenges on. May not supply infants younger than 4 years of age with lozenges.

Can antibiotics make you feel better?

If you have a cough, antibiotics will not help you feel better. They won’t protect you when antibiotics aren’t needed, and their side effects may also cause harm. Side effects can range from mild symptoms, such as a rash, to very severe health conditions, such as infections resistant to antibiotics and C.

Do you have to ask for antibiotics if you have a cough?

When you have a cough, do not ask the doctor for antibiotics. Taking them precisely as you are told if antibiotics are prescribed for a bacterial infection. Taking the full course of antibiotics is necessary. Do not share anyone else’s antibiotics.