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Cold Symptoms

11 Doctor-Approved Ways to Treat the Common Cold

Lauren Smith, MABrian Clista, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD
Updated on November 5, 2025
Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD | November 5, 2025

When cold symptoms strike, many people are eager to “get rid of” the virus and feel better. The bad news is, no meds can “cure” the cold (and neither can loading up on vitamin C). Instead, you kind of just have to let your immune system take care of it.

The good news? There are plenty of treatment options that can help you feel better while you wait for the cold to pass.

References

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Cough medicine: Understanding your OTC options.

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2023). Decongestants: OTC relief for congestion.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Brian Clista, MD
Reviewed by:
Brian Clista, MD
Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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