80% of Coughs are Viral and do not need antibiotics!

Antibiotics only kill bacteria; unfortunately we do not have antivirals that effectively kill the common cold and cough viruses BUT there are things you can do to feel better and often get better faster!

• keep your nose and mouth warm - this helps kill the virus (humidifier, hot/steamy shower)

• sip warm chicken broth/bouillon - the heat and salt kill the virus

• sip warm tea with honey in it

• 1 teaspoon of honey every 4-6 hours is scientifically proven to help your cough

• ibuprofen works best for sore throat pain. It also decreases inflammation which can help stuffy ears and sinuses drain.

• REST is crucial for getting better. Energy you spend on other things is not available for your body to use to heal, so remaining active will prolong your illness.

• suck on one cold-eeze throat lozenge four times a day -the zinc in cold-eeze has shown to reduce viral replication and help your symptoms get better faster. Zicam is another zinc based formula that can help.



• For cough worse at night, using a cool mist humidifier by the bedside can help. Also, generic decongestant can help as well.

Most viral respiratory tract infections take 7 - 10 days to improve.

Sometimes bacteria will start to grow in all the mucous from a viral cold/cough. This would look like worsening symptoms after 7 days, increased sinus pain or pressure localized to one area, return of fever, shortness of breath.

IF this occurs, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Always go to the Emergency Room with any extreme symptoms, especially sudden or worsening shortness or breath.