How to Get Rid of Cold Symptoms Fast

What Are the First Signs of a Cold?

Cold symptoms often start subtly. Acting early can help you manage symptoms more effectively and feel better sooner. Early cold symptoms may include:

• Sore or scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Headache or body aches
• Coughing or sneezing
• Nasal congestion

8 Remedies to Help Get Rid of Cold Symptoms Quicker

While the common cold has no actual cure, there are some home remedies and OTC solutions that may help relieve symptoms and support quicker recovery. Here are some of the most effective ways to help you feel better and get back to your routine:

Rest & Sleep

Common colds can feel unavoidable, especially when the weather changes or kids return to school. At the first sign of symptoms, try to stay home and rest to avoid spreading germs. More importantly, rest helps your body heal. According to Dr. Neha Vyas, MD, at the Cleveland Clinic, “rest and sleep allows your immune system to recharge. Your immune system can do its job and help you fight this infection naturally.”

Stay Hydrated

Fluids help relieve dehydration, headaches, and congestion. Drink plenty of water and consider beverages with electrolytes or vitamins, such as B and C. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration.

Eat Hydrating, Easy-to-Digest Foods

When you’re not feeling well, simple and nourishing foods can make a significant difference. Chicken noodle soup is a go-to for a reason – it provides fluids, protein, and electrolytes, while warm broth can soothe sore throats and congestion. Other brothy soups work just as well.

If you're having a hard time with hot foods, try smoothies, fruit popsicles, or hydrating fruits like berries, oranges, grapes, and melons. While these won’t cure a cold, they may help you feel better as your body recovers.

Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can help relieve dry noses and sore throats while loosening mucus to clear airways more easily. Always follow usage and care instructions.

Avoid Irritants

Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. Alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, and salty foods may also make symptoms feel worse or slow recovery.

Try Simple Home Remedies

Home remedies won’t cure a cold, but can provide temporary relief. Gargling warm salt water may ease a sore throat, while hot water or tea with a spoonful of honey can soothe irritation and help you relax.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, light switches, and remotes can help reduce the spread of cold viruses in your home. Always follow the instructions on the label for how to use cleaning and disinfecting products so you can remove and kill viruses correctly and effectively.

Use OTC Cold Remedies

Over-the-counter medications like Zicam™ Cold Remedy are formulated to help alleviate cold symptoms. With multiple formats available, you can choose what works best for you. Always use products as directed on the package.

Does Zicam™ Cold Remedy Help Shorten a Cold?

Zicam™ Cold Remedy is the #1 Cold Shortener brand† and is designed to help shorten the duration of a cold when taken at the first sign of symptoms.

Unlike products that only mask symptoms, Zicam™ Cold Remedy products are formulated to:

• Help reduce the duration of the common cold*
• Relieve nasal congestion
• Provide symptom relief in multiple formats

Zicam™ Cold Product Options

Zicam™ Cold Remedy is available in a variety of formats and flavors to fit your preferences, all designed to help reduce the duration of the common cold* and relieve nasal congestion.

• Zicam™ Cold Remedy Original RapidMelts™ are quick-dissolve, homeopathic tablets with zinc that melt in your mouth. They are non-drowsy and non-habit-forming, and come in citrus, cherry, and lemon-lime flavors (with Echinacea‡), as well as elderberry (Sambucus nigra)‡.
• Zicam™ Cold Remedy ULTRA RapidMelts™ are sugar-free, dye-free, quick-dissolve tablets with zinc that provide convenient relief without the need for water. Like Zicam™ Cold Remedy Original RapidMelts™, they are non-drowsy and non-habit-forming and are available in orange cream and cherry flavors.
• Zicam™ Cold Remedy Medicated Fruit Drops are formulated with zinc to help reduce the duration of the common cold* while relieving nasal congestion. These non-drowsy, non-habit-forming drops come in assorted fruit and ultimate orange flavors, as well as an elderberry (Sambucus nigra) option.
• Zicam™ Cold Remedy Lozenges are zinc-based and designed to help relieve nasal congestion while also soothing sore throats and coughs‡. They are non-drowsy and non-habit-forming and are available in cherry and elderberry flavors.
• Zicam™ Cold Remedy Nasal Spray is the ONLY cold-shortening nasal spray and offers a zinc-free, no-drip formula to help relieve nasal congestion. It is non-drowsy, non-habit-forming, and formulated with cooling menthol and eucalyptus.
• Zicam™ Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are the ONLY cold-shortening nasal swabs and provide a zinc-free, medicated‡ option for targeted nasal relief. They are non-drowsy, non-habit-forming, and formulated with menthol and eucalyptus to help relieve congestion.

How to Recover from a Cold Faster

• Start treatment at the first signs of symptoms
• Prioritize rest and hydration
• Use symptom-relief products as directed
• Avoid irritants as they can delay recovery