Treating Your Cold, Flu, or COVID Symptoms

While you're sick, make sure to get plenty of rest and drink extra fluids (water, tea, broth).If you have diabetes, heart disease, (or take diuretics [water pills]), lung problems, or other medical conditions, you may be at higher risk for complications.  Ask us how to care for your chronic conditions while you get better.To keep others healthy, stay home and/or wear a mask until you're better.  If you have COVID or the flu, this is especially important.If you're interested in vitamins:

• Vitamin C – 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day
• Zinc, ideally as a lozenge and started in the first 24 hours of feeling sick – 15 mg three times per day for two days, then 15 mg per day

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as instructed on the packaging.If you have abnormal kidney or liver function, or if you take blood thinners, discuss with us or another medical provider which of the above is safe for you to take.Make sure to stay hydrated, particularly if you have a fever.

For congestion:

• Nasal irrigation with a neti pot or NeilMed sinus rinse two to three times per day.
• Nasal irrigation with two sprays of nasal saline spray into each nostril three to four times per day.
• Pseudoephedrine, as needed, as instructed on the packaging.  This does not need a prescription, but it's behind the counter, so you'll need to ask a pharmacist for it.
• Oxymetazoline nasal spray (only use for a maximum three days).
• Warm steam inhalation, like in the shower or with a warm mist humidifier.

For a sore throat:

• Saltwater gargles with 1 tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water
• Herbal tea with lemon, honey, or licorice
• Lozenges that contain menthol, dyclonine, benzocaine, or slippery elm
• Throat sprays with phenol

Remember to stay hydrated with healthy liquids like water, tea, broth, etc.  Both cold and warm liquids may be soothing for your throat.

For a cough:

• Guaifenesin 400 mg every four hours for chest congestion.  You can buy this over the counter.
• Steam inhalation, such as in a warm shower or with a warm mist humidifier.
• If your throat is irritated, try throat lozenges or hot tea with honey.

If your cough is severe or preventing you from sleeping, try dextromethorphan products (Robitussin, Vicks, etc.).

Be sure to avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other irritants.

If at any time you have difficulty breathing or catching your breath, are wheezing, feel you may pass out, or have any other concerning symptoms, let us know or go directly to your local urgent care or emergency room (ER) for an exam.