Drink plenty of liquids. To be sure you get enough, drink a full glass of water or liquid every two hours. Fluids help to keep the mucus more liquid and easier to clear out, and help to prevent complications such as bronchitis and ear infections. Alcohol and drinks containing caffeine in large quantities are not good fluid replacers since they tend to cause dehydration. Broth or chicken soup is excellent when you have a cold because they soothe your throat, or you can try juices.
Smoke irritates the bronchial passages, which prolongs the cold symptoms.
Refrain from smoking if at all possible. Take hot, steamy showers to relieve congestion in the chest and nasal passages. If you can afford it, buy a cool mist or steam vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom. Gargle with warm salt water to reduce the sore throat pain. If your temperature rises above 101 o or if you have a fever over 100 o for more than 3 days.