Everyday Health on MSN: 13 best OTC cold medicines: liquids, tablets, sprays, and more Our top picks for the best OTC cold medicines include options for cough, congestion, sore throat, and more. Find the best products to help quickly ease your cold symptoms. Many people use over-the-counter cold medicines without concern, but improper use can lead to unexpected side effects.

Understanding the Context

Sick with a a cold, flu or other respiratory virus? Learn some home management tips from a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician. Most often, common cold symptoms start 1 to 3 days after someone is exposed to a cold virus. Symptoms vary.

Key Insights

They can include: Runny or stuffy nose. Sore or scratchy throat. Cough. Sneezing. Generally feeling unwell.

Final Thoughts

Slight body aches or a mild headache. Low-grade fever. The mucus from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow ... Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold. But do they work? Nothing can cure a cold, which is caused by germs called viruses.

But some remedies might help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so bad. Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them. COVID-19, the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu have many similar symptoms. Find out about some of the important differences between these illnesses.