What cures the common cold?
The common cold can be one of many viruses, so presently there is no cure. It may sound mundane, but rest and fluids are the best way to fight the common cold. However, there are many over-the-counter remedies that you can take to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Examples of these are acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers due to the possibility of Reye’s Syndrome. Antitussives, for example, dextromethorphan, tell your brain to stop coughing. If you are coughing up mucus, you should take an expectorant such as guaifenesin to help thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. When the sniffles begin, or you get that intense “sinus headache”, oral decongestants such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine reduce congestion.
