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

Flu Season in the Hospital >>