Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms at Home: What You Can Do to Feel Better

By: William Albanese III, PharmD, MBA

15 million Americans have come down with the flu this year, 180,000 people have ended up in the hospital and 7,400 deaths from the flu have been reported according to the American Red Cross, making 2025–26 one of the most brutal flu seasons on record.With so many Americans catching the virus, people are searching for ways to relieve the symptoms that come with it—namely fever, congestion, cough, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue.

As a pharmacist, I wanted to offer a guide as to what most relatively healthy people can do to manage their symptoms using over-the-counter treatments and supportive care. Knowing which medications treat your symptoms can help you feel better faster while your body fights the infection.

Who This Guide Is (and Isn’t) For
This guide is not meant for people that are high risk for complications or are having emergency symptoms like:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Severe dizziness

If you are having any of those symptoms, you should go to the Emergency Department right away.

Other patients that should consult medical advice if they think they have the flu are ones at high risk of hospitalization and include patients:

• 64 years and older
  
• Kids younger than 2
  
• People with weakened immune systems
  
• Those with chronic diseases like asthma, COPD, heart disease, liver or kidney issues
  
• Obesity
  
• Pregnancy

What Really Works for the Rest of Us?

Fever, Headaches, and Body Aches

For fever, headaches, and body aches, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can reduce discomfort and help control fever.

• Take these medications as directed
  
• Avoid taking multiple products with the same active ingredient at the same time

Products like DayQuil and NyQuil are popular formulations that people take when sick, but many of these products already contain acetaminophen, which can lead to overdose. If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Nasal Congestion

If nasal congestion is your main complaint, decongestants can help shrink swollen nasal passages and improve breathing.

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a potent medication for nasal congestion and comes in tablet form.
• It should not be used by those with high blood pressure
  
• Avoid taking it within six hours of bedtime as it can keep you awake
• Oxymetazoline (Afrin) nasal spray is also effective but should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion

Runny Nose, Sneezing, and Watery Eyes

Runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes often respond well to antihistamines.

• Claritin and Zyrtec are over the counter, once-a-day tablets that are non-drowsy
  
• These are a great starting point as they are safe and effective

If extra relief is needed, it’s ok to take a Benadryl (diphenhydramine) at bedtime, as they tend to cause drowsiness which can help you get a good night’s rest.

Cough

For cough, the right treatment depends on the type of cough.

• Dry, irritating coughs may improve with cough suppressants, like Delsym (dextromethorphan)
  
• Productive (mucus-producing) coughs often benefit from expectorants that help loosen mucus so it can be cleared more easily

Staying well hydrated also plays an important role in thinning secretions.

Sore Throat

Sore throats can be soothed with:

• Lozenges
• Throat sprays
• Warm liquids
• Saltwater gargles

Honey may also help calm cough and throat irritation in adults and children over one year of age.

Can You Combine These Medications?

These medications can work together and can be safe. Many patients are reluctant to take multiple medications because of a fear of drug interactions.

If you are not on any prescription medications, then the medications listed are relatively safe together. Taking a pain reliever along with a cough suppressant and antihistamine at night is something that is safe and can help aid in a good night’s sleep.

If you have medical conditions or are on medications, it’s best to ask a medical professional before taking any of these combinations.

Supportive Care Still Matters

Beyond medications, rest, fluids, and time remain essential parts of recovery.

• Drink plenty of water, warm teas, or broth to help prevent dehydration and support your immune system
• Use a humidifier to ease symptoms
• Get adequate sleep to help your body recover

Knowing what to do and using medications properly will hopefully get you feeling better and on your way!

William Albanese is a licensed pharmacist and CEO of Atracare, a health system providing Primary Care, Urgent Care, Pediatrics, and Mental Health in Sussex County.