How can I treat my symptoms?
Cold, flu and other viral illnesses do not get better with antibiotics. Your immune system is your best resource for getting better. Antibiotics can make things worse if you take them when you don’t need to.
Your immune system is how your body fights illness. Supporting your immune system is the most important way to get you feeling better.
Seasonal allergies, which can cause cold-like symptoms, can get better on their or with medication.
How do I support my immune system?
- Stay hydrated. Fluids, like warm broth and rehydration drinks, are especially good because they replace minerals your body needs that are lost through fever and sweat.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating protein regularly, such as nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs and cheese, helps your immune system. The UW Campus Food Pantry offers many of these protein sources.
- Get lots of rest. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to stay home and rest for up to three weeks or more.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs, including smoking and vaping.
How do I treat my symptoms?
The following symptoms are normal when your body is fighting off a virus:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Coughing
Some people get stomachaches and diarrhea, too.
To help you rest and recover, consider treating your symptoms using one of the options in the table below. Usually there is no medical reason to treat your symptoms except to make you feel more comfortable.
| Symptoms | Suggested treatment(s) | Common over-the-counter brands |
| Body aches, headache, fever | Pain killer | Advil© and Tylenol© |
| Runny nose, congestion | Decongestant (cold/flu), antihistamine (allergies) or nasal steroid (allergies) | Sudafed© (cold/flu), Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec© (allergies), Flonase |
| Sore throat | Pain killers, throat lozenges, honey, gargling salt water | Advil© and Tylenol© |
| Cough | Decongestant and/or expectorant | Sudafed©, Mucinex© (cold/flu), Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec©, Claritin© (allergies) |
| Itchy nose and/or eyes due to allergies | Antihistamine | Benadryl©, Claritin©, Zyrtec© (allergies) |
These medications are available over-the-counter at a pharmacy, including at the Rubenstein Pharmacy. Ask pharmacy staff for help choosing a medication. The generic versions of these drugs are just as effective and cost less. Note that some medications, including certain decongestants, may be stored behind the pharmacy counter.
Should I worry about my fever?
A fever means that your body is working hard to defeat a virus. Cough and sore throat are due to irritation from the virus.
Keep an oral thermometer at home. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a fever. You will be asked about your temperature if you call your health care provider.
Very high fevers can be normal, especially with flu and COVID-19. Taking a medication to lower your fever will help you rest so you can get better but does not treat the underlying cause.
Call your health-care provider if you have a fever and shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t take a full breath or run out of breath more quickly than usual). You should also see a doctor right away if you have a fever of 102ºF or more.
| Temperature range | Fever? | What to do |
| 97° – 99.5° F (36.1° – 37.2° C) | No, normal temperature range | Treat other symptoms if needed (see above) |
| 99.6° – 100.3° F (36.4° – 37.4° C) | Yes, low grade | Take pain killers to reduce discomfort if needed |
| 100. 5° – 102° F 38° – 39.3° C | Yes, typical | Take pain killers to lower fever and rest; call your health care provider if fever lasts for more than 3 days |
| >103° F (39.4° C) | Yes, very high grade | Call your health-care provider right away |