How Can I Treat Colds and Flu?

Influenza and the common cold are caused by viruses, which means there is no cure for either of them. Unfortunately, antibiotics only kill bacteria and are not useful in treating the common cold or influenza.

There are a few drugs called antivirals that can help treat influenza, but for these to be effective they must be used early in the course of the illness, when the influenza symptoms are just beginning. No such antivirals have currently been developed to treat the common cold.

The best thing you can do is treat your symptoms once you are sick. For example, you can take medicines to treat your headaches, body aches, sore throat, and cough. It is also useful to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest and let your body’s immune system fight the virus.

See the What To Do for Colds and Flu section for more information about treating your cold and flu symptoms.

We realize that many students want to know the "cures" for colds and flu, such as the efficacy of Airborne or zinc.  This website is not designed to provide information on these topics.  Instead, we focus on behaviors that can limit your chance of acquiring colds or the flu.