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Colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by
viruses. There are no antibiotics that cure these viruses. Using
antibiotics when you don't need them - or not using them correctly
- can make your body resistant to the antibiotics, meaning the
antibiotics won't work when you need them. The good news is that
your body's immune system will fight the virus, and there are
things you can do to feel better.
How can I treat a cold, flu, or bronchitis?
- Stay home and rest, especially if you have a fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, and clear
soups.
- Relieve a sore throat by gargling a few times a day with warm
salt water (¼ to ½ teaspoon salt per 8-ounce glass of warm water.
Don't drink or swallow the salt water). Throat sprays or lozenges
also may help relieve the pain.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Use salt water (saline) nose spray to help loosen mucus and
moisten the tender skin in your nose.
- A clean cool-mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower or bath
helps keep the nose and throat moist.
What medicines are available to treat a cold, flu, or
bronchitis?
There are medicines that don't require a prescription that can
help treat your symptoms, but they do not shorten the length of
time you are sick. Some medicines are made to treat more than one
symptom, so read the package, and follow the instructions
carefully. If you have questions about whether it's safe for you to
take these medicines, call your doctor.
Fever and Aches
These medicines can help you reduce your fever and relieve
body aches:
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol® and other brands
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil®, Motrin®, and other brands
- Aspirin, such as Bayer® and other brands, should be taken by
adults only. Never give aspirin to someone younger than 19
years old unless recommended by a doctor.
Cough
Cough medicines can help you stop coughing so much, which
can be helpful, especially at night. There are many different kinds
of cough medicines, so if you are not sure what is best for you,
ask the pharmacist.
- Cough and cold medicines should NOT be given to children
younger than 6 years old.
- Cough medicines may cause serious side effects in people with
high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
- People with diabetes should use sugar-free cough syrups.
Wheezing
Some people with bronchitis develop wheezing, which can
cause coughing and shortness of breath. This happens even in people
with no history of asthma and can be treated with a hand-held
inhaler. These require a prescription and should be used as
prescribed.
Nasal Congestion (Stuffy Nose)
Decongestant medicines help clear your nose so you can
breathe better. They shrink the swelling and mucus in your nose and
sinuses. Decongestants are sold as tablets or nasal sprays.
- Children younger than 6 years old should not be given
decongestants. Decongestants do not work for young children and can
be harmful.
- Decongestant tablets taken by mouth such as Sudafed® or other
brands should only be taken as directed on the label. These
medicines can cause jitters and keep you awake. Decongestants may
also raise blood pressure and cause your heart to race. If you have
high blood pressure or heart problems, check with your doctor
before taking them.
- Nasal sprays, such as Afrin® and other brands, should not be
used for more than 3 days, because they can actually cause sinus
swelling. Nasal sprays contain different types of ingredients. If
you are not sure about what to use, ask the pharmacist.
Runny Nose
Antihistamines can dry up the mucus in your nose.
- Benadryl® or other brands dry the nose and throat but can make
you tired, so you should not use them if you will be driving.
- Claritin® and related products cause less drowsiness but may be
less effective for cold-related congestion.
How can I prevent getting or spreading a virus?
- Get flu vaccine every year.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an
alcohol-based hand gel.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow
if you don't have a tissue. Throw tissues away and wash your hands.
Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose, or
mouth.
- Avoid close physical contact with people who are sick.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or
other personal items.
- Use household cleaners to clean things that are touched often,
like door knobs, toys, and phones.
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Cough that lasts more than 2 weeks
- Coughing blood
- Fever of 102°F or higher, or fever that lasts more than 3
days
- For infants under 2 months old, any temperature of 100.6°F or
higher, taken rectally
- Shortness of breath during routine activities
- Sinus pain or severe headache
- Any breathing problems or chest pain while taking a breath
- Sinus pain that lasts for more than 7 days or sinus symptoms
that improve for a few days and then get worse
- Severe earache or drainage from your ear
When Your Doctor Does Prescribe Antibiotics
Viral infections sometimes lead to bacterial infections. If your
doctor does prescribe an antibiotic for you, make sure you do the
following:
- Take all of the medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better
after a few days.
- Do not skip doses.
- Do not give any of your medicine to anyone else.
- Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you feel
sick.
Where can I get more information?
This campaign is based on the guiding principles of an
expert panel organized by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention with representatives from the American Academy of Family
Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the Infectious
Disease Society of America (Annals of Internal Medicine
2001;134:479-529). This information is for educational purposes
only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You
should always consult your health care provider to determine the
appropriateness of the information for your situation or if you
have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment
plan.
