Most adults will sniffle and sneeze their way through each year with one or more colds. The average virus lasts 7 days and is pretty unpleasant. You might speed your recovery with extra bed rest to help your body get rid of the virus. Try to sleep longer than normal or stay in bed for a full day.
To treat stuffed noses, drink at least 2 quarts of fluids a day — mostly water — but not too much juice, which can cause diarrhea. Humidifiers and warm steamy showers are excellent for relieving congestion and adding moisture to your irritated respiratory tract.
If you use over-the-counter medications, choose those that target specific symptoms: a medicated nasal spray or oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (taken for 3-4 days maximum); dextromethorphan for cough; and naproxen for headache and body aches.
Physicians generally do not recommend multi-symptom cold remedies. They can have drug side effects you don't want and that may actually suppress your body's natural defenses.
Non-drug remedies that may ease a sore throat or cough: saltwater gargle (1/4-teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water); hot tea with honey.
What doesn't work for cold viruses are antibiotics. These are for bacterial infections, such as strep throat, and won't speed recovery from a cold.
For influenza: The new prescription medications are a major advance in treating flu and shortening its duration; they may help prevent related bronchitis, sinusitis and ear infections. To be effective, the drugs must be taken within the first 48 hours of your first flu symptoms — e.g. sudden and severe body aches, fever and chills.