Most respiratory infections last 1-2 weeks, but some infections, like bronchitis (chest cold) can last 3 weeks or longer. During that time, here are some ways to feel better. 

• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid smoking or vaping
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and loosen mucus or phlegm
• Take medication for pain from headache, body aches, or sore throat. You can also use these medicines for a fever that is making you uncomfortable:
  • Acetaminophen: do not use more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time. Do not exceed 4000 mg/day from all sources and avoid this drug if you have liver disease
  • Ibuprofen or naproxen: avoid if you have a history of high blood pressure, ulcers or kidney disease
  • Avoid aspirin if younger than 18 (may cause a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome)
• Treating nasal symptoms
  • Nasal saline
  • Nasal cromolyn (over the counter)
  • Oral decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine: avoid if history of hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems or severe anxiety
  • Nasal decongestants like oxymetazoline (brand name: Afrin): using this longer than 3 days can cause worsening congestion. Avoid if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism
• Caring for your cough:
  • Honey has been shown to help cough in children and may help control cough in adults also
  • Over the counter cough medications containing dextromethorphan provide little benefit and can be harmful if mixed with some substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and many medications
  • Expectorants, like guaifenesin, may provide a small improvement in symptoms
• For sore throats:
  • Medications for pain (see above)
  • Choose soft foods (like soups) over rough-textured foods (like chips)
  • Hydration with ice, popsicles, and cool foods
• Complementary and alternative remedies:
  • Vitamin C: does not seem to reduce cold symptoms
  • Zinc: may or may not be helpful. Oral preparations can cause nausea. Nasal preparations can cause irreversible loss of smell and should be avoided.
  • Herbal treatments such as Echinacea, Pelargonium sidoides and the extract of elderberry (Sambucus fructi) have not been show to have benefit

Most upper respiratory infections don't require antibiotics. See "When to seek medical care" for symptoms that require more evaluation to determine best treatment.

• Very sore throat that is not improving after 3 days or a sore throat and fever without other cold symptoms
• Painful swelling of lymph nodes/glands in the neck
• Discolored mucus for the nose for more than 10 days
• Ear pain (as opposed to the feeling of stuffiness in the ears)
• Painful breathing, wheezing, or any shortness of breath
• Cough that is persisting beyond 2-3 weeks without improvement
• Severe headache or pain in face that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication
• Fever higher than 100.4 for more than 3-4 days or fever with a rash
• Pink eye that is affecting vision, causing pain (as opposed to itching) or if you wear contact lenses
• If you have symptoms of common cold and are in a high-risk group (people with certain medical conditions) or are very sick or worried about your illness

Click on the links below to learn more about these infections, including how to prevent them and how to prevent spread to others when you are sick.

• Common Cold
• Influenza
• Covid-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new instructions for those with a respiratory viral infection, such as COVID-19, the flu, or the common cold. 

• Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, headache that are not explained by another cause, such as ongoing seasonal allergies. 
• You can return to your normal activities if both of the following are true for at least 24 hours
• Your symptoms are improving overall, and
• You have not had a fever (and you are not using a fever-reducing medication)
• Take added precautions to protect others for the next 5 days when you return to normal activities 
• Masking when around others
• Physical distancing from others, especially those at risk of complications from a viral respiratory infection
• Hygiene, including covering your coughs and sneezes and washing your hands often
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as opening the windows if you are able and moving activities outdoors where viruses are less likely to spread