Fluids help loosen secretions and carry the virus out of the body. Hot liquids such as chicken broth or soups often help loosen congestion. This is a good way to keep the respiratory tract moist and help loosen respiratory secretions. Hard candies, lozenges, or cough drops can also help with throat symptoms. Smoking will further irritate your respiratory passages and increase your risk of developing secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Smokers also have a higher frequency of respiratory illnesses than nonsmokers do.
Antibiotics do not combat viral infections such as the flu or the common cold. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, and bronchitis. In addition, unnecessary use of antibiotics can make them ineffective in treating future infections.