If used longer than 3-5 days, these sprays may actually make you congested when you stop using them. Cough syrups should be used only for certain kinds of coughs. Coughing is useful because it removes secretions from your throat. Instead, try sucking on hard candies or drinking something hot. Although antihistamines are effective in relieving allergy symptoms, they are not very effective for treating cold or flu symptoms.
Antihistamines also cause drowsiness.
Never take left-over or old antibiotics. Antibiotics do not kill cold or flu viruses and they do not help ease cold and flu symptoms. Antibiotics kill or stop the growth of bacteria, but they have no effect on viruses such as colds or the flu. Antibiotics should only be used against bacterially caused illnesses like strep throat, bacterial pneumonia, and bacterial skin infections. Your body contains both harmful and helpful bacteria.