This fatty acid, available in capsule form, has been shown in research to have an antiviral effect, says Dr. Van Ert, helping the immune system gear up in the battle against the cold virus. He recommends two capsules three times a day, taken with some food. To relieve a cough, try cough drops and syrups. Look for a product that contains cough-suppressing antitussives such as dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, or noscapine, says Casdorph. These include Vicks Cough Silencers cough drops and Robitussin cough syrup.
Lozenges can also combat coughs.
Many of them contain topical anesthetics that slightly numb your sore throat , says Dr. Van Ert, which relieves your need to cough. Sucrets, Cepacol, Cepastat or Spec-T sore throat decongestant lozenges are among them. Menthol or camphor rubs have a soothing, cooling effect and may relieve congestion and help you breathe more easily, especially at bedtime. Apply Vics VapoRub or a similar product to your bare chest, cover up, and get a good night's sleep. Don't spread your germs.