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4 home remedies that can help ease cold symptoms

Try easing your coughing, sneezing, and sore throat with these smart at-home solutions.

A woman blowing her nose on the couch with a cold
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The common cold is a viral infection that can be spread by direct contact with someone who has a cold. It can also be transferred from one person to another by way of tiny air droplets released through a sneeze, cough, or by someone blowing their nose. Cold viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, too; you can become ill by touching a contaminated surface and thenShow More

Steam billowing out of a humidifier.
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Use a humidifier

A humidifier won’t get rid of your cold, but if you have a stuffy nose, it might make it easier for you to breathe. It does this by helping to keep the mucous membranes in the lining of your nose moist. Try to maintain your room’s humidity somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.

Take note, however:Show More

A salt shaker on a picnic table
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Gargle with saltwater

When mucus drips into the back of your throat (also called postnasal drip), you may end up with a sore throat, but gargling with salt water may provide temporary relief. Try mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into 4 to 8 ounces of warm water, and then gargle. While it won’t cure theShow More

A woman drinking a glass of water.
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Drink lots of water

Although staying hydrated doesn’t reduce the duration of cold symptoms, it may ease them. Drinking plenty of water can loosen congestion in the throat and maintain your balance of bodily fluids. Maintaining proper hydration can help especially if you feel a fever coming on: Any time you’re sweatingShow More

A woman measuring out cough syrup to help battle her cold.
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Over-the-counter medications

Unfortunately, there’s no medication proven to cure the common cold. Sometimes, however, nasal decongestant or antihistamine medicines may help a runny nose and sneezing. Some pain relievers can ease discomfort associated with a headache or sore throat, as well, and certain cough suppressantShow More

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

MedlinePlus. “Common Cold.” May 25, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
UpToDate.com. “Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics).” May 24, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
MedlinePlus. “Germs and Hygiene.” April 6, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms.” January 14, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Sore Throat.” July 21, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
UpToDate.com. “Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics).” May 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt.” June 27, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
Medscape. “How long can rhinoviruses survive on skin and inanimate surfaces?” September 11, 2020. Accessed September 15, 2021.
University of Washington Health. “The Common Cold and Your Child.” September 18, 2019. Accessed September 15, 2021.

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