But you can take steps to prevent getting the next cold from a family member or work colleague. If left alone, they will disappear over the course of a week. There is no cure for the common cold. It is a viral illness that just needs to run its course. One of the oldest and most effective treatments is to rest and drink plenty of water.
Water helps restore lost fluids and keeps mucus thin and flowing.
Hot showers or a cool mist vaporizer can also liquify secretions and unstuff a stuffed-up nose. But there's no magic to chicken soup. When a runny nose gets in the way of doing your job, decongestants with phenylpropanolamine or pseudo-ephedrine can provide some relief without drowsiness. For a cough that is dry, irritates your sore throat and keeps you awake, look for a suppressant cough syrup with dextromethorphan . Cough syrups plus a vaporizer at your bedside can be a soothing combination for getting a good night's sleep.