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5 ways to ease a common cold

1. Rest. Elevate your head to a 45-degree angle to help mucus drain.

2. Drink plenty of liquids. Try hot tea with honey and lemon to soothe throat pain.

3. Use cough drops or throat lozenges. But don't give these to kids younger than 4 years.

4. Moisten the air. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, or inhale steam from a shower or a bowl of hot water.

5. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Remember, these medicines should not be given to kids younger than 4 years.

Reviewed 9/23/2025

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Care for Your Child's Cold." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/flu/Pages/caring-for-Your-childs-cold-or-flu.aspx.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Manage Common Cold." https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html.
• National Council on Aging. "A Common-Sense Guide to the Common Cold for Older Adults." https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-common-sense-guide-to-the-common-cold-for-older-adults.