Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
FOR COUGH
- Increase fluids (especially water)
- Suck on cough drops or hard sweets (candy)
- Use a cool air humidifier in room
- Avoid lung irritants such as smoke, household cleaners or allergens
- Over-the-counter cough medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
- Guaifenesin
- Dextromethorphan
FOR FEVER
- Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
- Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
- Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)
FOR NASAL CONGESTION
- Increase fluid intake
- Breathe moist steam from a hot shower or bowl of water
- Apply hot packs or compresses to face
- Clear your nasal passages with an approved nasal device
- Elevate your head while sleeping
- Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage)
- Decongestants
- Saline nasal sprays
FOR SORE THROAT
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
- Use a humidifier
- Use saltwater, gargle several times a day (½ – 1 teaspoon of salt to 250 ml/1 glass of warm water)
- Suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or popsicles
- Over-the-counter pain medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage)