Home care for cold, flu and COVID-19
The common cold, flu and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses. Symptoms may include:
Fever (temperature greater than 100.4°F)
Runny nose
Sore throat
Headache
General aches
Muscle pains
Fatigue
Weakness or exhaustion
Chest discomfort
Cough
Sinus pressure
Cold symptoms can last up to 2 weeks and a viral cough can last up to 18 days.
Pain in the sinus region is common at the start of a cold but does not mean you have a sinus infection. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to develop a sinus infection that might require antibiotics. A sinus infection can occur due to prolonged inflammation and nasal blockage that allows bacteria to breed in the sinuses.
Colds commonly produce green and yellow mucus, but color is not a sign of a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not effective for colds and flus and will not help with symptoms or recovery. Antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary to treat a bacterial infection.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases possible side effects and can lead to bacterial resistance. Doctors do not have remedies to make colds go away faster. Your body’s immune system is the only cure. However, there are medications that can help you manage symptoms.
Over-the-counter options
Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) taken alone or in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol) helps with headaches, muscle aches, sore throats, sinus pain and fevers. You can take both if either alone is not sufficient for discomfort.
Avoid ibuprofen if you have kidney disease, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure or stomach ulcers.
Acetaminophen (325 milligrams or 500 milligrams) — 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed; do not exceed 3250 milligrams/day
Ibuprofen (200milligrams) — 2 to 3 tablets (400milligrams to600milligrams) every 6 to 8 hours as needed; do not exceed2400 milligrams/day or 12 tablets
The dosing above is considered “prescription strength,” exceeding what is listed on the bottles and is considered safe for short-term use
Saline nasal irrigation products (NeilMed) can help with sinus pressure
Nasal spray Cromolyn Sodium (NasalCrom) can improve nasal congestion
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a decongestant for runny or stuffy nose
Purchase the product that is sold “behind the counter” without a prescription from the pharmacist
Your blood pressure may temporarily increase while using this medication
Use with caution and monitor if you have high blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia, or if you have an enlarged prostate
Do not use in the evening or before bed as this may cause insomnia
Drink hot tea with honey to soothe and suppresses cough and sore throat
Honey is anti-inflammatory and may be used more generously when sick, unless you have poorly controlled diabetes
Menthol cough drops or rubs (such as Vicks VapoRub) can also be soothing for congestion and cough
Dextromethorphan or DM (Robitussin DM, Delsym) are available in capsule and liquid forms and can help with cough suppression
DM products can cause side effects in some, such as drowsiness and dizziness
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is sedating and can be taken at night to help you sleep through your symptoms while sometimes helping with cough suppression
Sleep is important for healing so if your cough is keeping you up, adding one or two tablets of diphenhydramine at bedtime can be beneficial
Avoid taking diphenhydramine if you are over 65 years old
When to schedule an appointment
The presence of persistent chills and high fevers beyond the first 3 days
Feeling increasingly out of breath
Pain in face or teeth after 2 weeks of cold symptoms warrants an appointment to rule out pneumonia or other serious infections
It is always best to be evaluated if you have concerns that your illness is more serious
If you or a loved one is experiencing flu-like symptoms and falls into any of the following categories, call your doctor immediately.
Children ages six months to four years
Pregnant women
Blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
Heart, liver, kidney or lung conditions
Suppressed immune systems
What should I do if I am being evaluated for COVID-19?
If you're being evaluated for the virus and don't need to be hospitalized, you should take the following steps:
Stay home except to get necessary medical care
If you must go out, avoid any kind of public transportation, ridesharing or taxis
Separate yourself from any other people in your home; if possible, use a separate bathroom
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Throw used tissues into a lined trash can immediately
Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, utensils, cups, towels and bedding
Stay hydrated with water; drinks designed to supply the body with carbohydrates, fluids and sodium; and clear soup broths
Take acetaminophen as needed for body aches and pains as directed by the manufacturer
Wear a face covering or face mask when you are within six feet of other people
Clean all high-touch surfaces daily, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, tablets, keyboards and bedside tables
Monitor symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if the illness is worsening or your symptoms become more severe (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face)
If you have an upcoming medical appointment, call ahead and let your doctor know if you have been directed by a health care professional to self-quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 or to isolate because you have or are suspected of having COVID-19. Please wear a face covering and advise the staff. You can stop home isolation when you meet all the following:
You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (3 full days of no fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine)
Other symptoms have improved, such as cough or shortness of breath
At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared