Health Center

Help you to help yourself

In most cases, you don't need to see a medical provider when you have a respiratory illness like cold or flu. However, complications such as pneumonia, bacterial sinusitis, or worsening of chronic illnesses like asthma can occur. You should get professional medical advice if:

  • You have a fever greater than 102 degrees for more than 3 days;

  • You experience shortness of breath or chest pain;

  • You have severe trouble swallowing;

  • You experience severe or persistent vomiting;

  • You have symptoms of dehydration such as sunken eyes, severe weakness or decreased urine output;

  • You experience severe headache or pain in your face;

  • You are confused or disoriented;

  • You have been ill for more than 10 days or your symptoms are worsening;

Otherwise, there are many home and over-the-counter remedies you can do to help yourself get better.

Combating the Symptoms of Cold and Flu

Stuffy Nose

Home Remedies
  • Make a steam tent using a towel and a bowl of hot water, or take a hot shower.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water and drip, spray or snort it into your nose and sinuses.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • Decongestants are medications that constrict blood vessels which reduces mucosal swelling. They come in pill or spray forms, or as sinus rinses and neti pots.
Generic & Brand Names
  • Pseudoephedrine  (Sudafed)
  • Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
  • Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • Saline (Neil-Med Sinus Rinse)
Prescription Meds
  • Nasal Steroids (Flonase)

Runny Nose

Home Remedies
  • Make a steam tent using a towel and a bowl of hot water, or take a hot shower.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water and drip, spray or snort it into your nose and sinuses.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow.
  • Use a mentholated ointment or petroleum jelly to protect and soothe a raw nose.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • Decongestants are medications that constrict blood vessels which reduces mucosal swelling. They come in pill or spray forms, or as sinus rinses and neti pots.
  • Antihistamines can help dry up a runny nose, however this can prolong an illness or may contribute to the development of a bacterial sinus infection. They are most helpful if your symptoms are caused by an allergy.
Generic & Brand Names
  • Pseudoephedrine  (Sudafed)
  • Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
  • Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • Saline (Neil-Med Sinus Rinse)
  • Diphenydramine (Benadryl) 
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
Prescription Meds
  • Nasal Steroids (Flonase)
  • Fenofexadine (Allegra) 
  • Azelastine (Astelin)

Sore Throat

Home Remedies
  • Double your fluid intake. No caffeinated beverages.
  • Mix honey & lemon juice to taste in warm water and sip.
  • Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp in 8 oz. of water).
  • Try sipping through a straw.
  • Try popsicles or jello.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • There are a large variety of sore throat products available. They usually contain anesthetics like benzocaine and menthol, protective agents like pectin, antiseptic agents like cetylpyridinium, alone or in combination and with additional flavorings, sugar and herbs.
Generic & Brand Names
  • Benzocaine (Chloraseptic)
  • Menthol/eucalyptus (Fisherman's Friend)
Prescription Meds
  • Lidocaine viscous/jelly (Xylocaine)
  • Prednisone, if severe

Cough

Home Remedies
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  • Try black or green tea for a tickly cough.
  • Mix honey & lemon juice to make a syrup.
  • Humidify the air.
  • Avoid exercise.
  • Don't smoke.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • Anti-tussive products help suppress the cough.
  • Expectorant products help to loosen mucus.
  • There is no evidence that non-prescription cough medicines are effective
Generic & Brand Names
  • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym)
  • Guaifenesin (Robitussin,  Mucinex)
Prescription Meds
  • Codeine +  guaifenesin (Guaituss, Cheracol, Robitussin A-C)

Fever

Home Remedies
  • Tepid sponge bath.
  • Cool compress.
  • Plenty of fluids.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • Antipyretics are medications that reduce fever. They will not lower your temperature unless it is elevated.
  • Because fever is part of the body's immune response to infection it may be best to  lower a fever only if it is causing significant discomfort or loss of fluids.
  • A normal temperature is considered to be between 97º and 99º Fahrenheit. There is considerable daily variation with temperatures usually being highest in the evening. Even if  your usual temperature is on the low side, you still have to get above 99ºF to have a fever.
Generic & Brand Names
  • Acetominophen (Tylenol)
  • Aspirin (do not use for illness under 20 years old)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

Muscle Aches

Home Remedies
  • Warm or cold packs.
  • Bed rest.
  • Soothing massage
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • With influenza, muscle aches often accompany fever. Using NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen can improve both symptoms.
Generic & Brand Names
  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

Headaches

Home Remedies
  • Warm or cold packs to sinus area or back of neck.
  • See stuffy nose treatment above if headache is in the sinus area.
  • Increase non-caffeinated fluid intake.
  • Soothing massage.
Over-the-Counter Meds
  • Headaches can be from fever, sinus congestion, dehydration or muscle tension.
  • Analgesics can be helpful both to lower fever and relieve pain.
  • If there is sinus involvement a decongestant can help.
Generic & Brand Names
  • See fever and stuffy nose medications above.