To prevent picking up the little buggers, Plum suggests these guidelines. 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 becomes a burden to doing your job, decongestants with phenylpropanolamine or pseudoephedrine can provide some relief without drowsiness. Asking for a temporary change of tasks, or bringing work home, may allow you to continue working. For a cough that is dry, irritates your sore throat and keeps you awake, look for a suppressant cough syrup with dextromethorphan.