How to get rid of a cold fast with the best symptom-relieving remedies

Battling the coughs, aches, drips and stuffiness of a cold can feel like an uphill battle. But setting your body up for a quick recovery is possible. With the proper remedies and expert advice, you could trade that tissue box and scratchy throat for a clean bill of health in a matter of days.

“Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) — commonly referred to as ‘colds’ — consist of symptoms like runny and stuffy nose, mild fevers (100.4°F to 101°F), sore throat and cough,” says Dr. Gary Kirkilas, a board-certified pediatrician at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

More than 200 viruses can cause a cold, including the rhinovirus (responsible for 35% of cases), parainfluenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). And while there’s no real cure, prevention methods and immune-boosting supplements can help you get rid of a cold quickly.

The best strategies? Adopt healthy habits like washing your hands and using natural remedies to help your immune system fight invaders. You can also buy over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and products that help alleviate the common symptoms.

To round up our top picks for getting rid of a cold fast, I leveraged my own expertise as a nurse and also consulted five experts, including a pharmacist and family medicine physicians, to learn more about at-home remedies and supplements for cold relief. We used their insights to narrow down products, considering factors like the type of cold relief, active ingredients and more. Based on their advice and my own expertise, these are our top recommendations.

A note on supplements

Many of the products included on this list are dietary supplements. Such supplements are regulated far less stringently by the FDA than medications, with little oversight on safety or effectiveness before they go to market. Supplements may also interact with other medications and aren't appropriate for all populations or health conditions. While our health writers personally select and test products that are evidence-based, it's important to talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Best products for getting rid of a cold fast

More products we love in 2025 for preventing colds and managing symptoms

Factors to consider when buying cold relief remedies

"How long [your cold] lasts often depends on your immune system and how well you take care of yourself — rest and staying hydrated can help you recover faster," says Dasgupta. That said, investing in the proper remedies may also aid your recovery.

Our experts suggest considering the following factors before purchasing an OTC medication, supplement or product.

• Symptoms: Dasgupta recommends finding a remedy specific to your symptoms. For example, if you have a sore throat and no other symptoms, a sore throat lozenge may provide relief without taking a multisymptom medication with potential side effects. However, multisymptom options may be more effective if you're experiencing a combination of symptoms like headache, congestion and cough.

• Ingredients: Always read the active ingredients in any OTC medication you're considering, and consult a doctor if you have any medical conditions or take other medications or supplements. Some cold products contain active ingredients that can affect conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems or heart disease. Some can also interact with other medications and cause potentially fatal side effects. Just because a product is available over the counter doesn't mean it's an appropriate product for you. Always ask your doctor before adding anything new.

• Type of relief: There are several options for cold relief, such as OTC medications, supplements and devices or remedies like humidifiers or nasal irrigation. Consider your preferences, including whether you prefer a natural or medication-based approach and what's worked for you in the past.

• Price: Some cold relief remedies require a more significant investment than others. For example, purchasing a humidifier or nasal irrigation device may be more expensive upfront but can provide long-term relief for multiple colds. On the other hand, OTC medications may be more affordable in the short term but add up over time if you experience multiple colds throughout the year.

How we chose

To determine the best products to relieve your symptoms and get rid of a cold fast, we spoke with four board-certified physicians and a pharmacist specializing in integrative medicine. We asked them about the most commonly used remedies and what features they suggest looking for when purchasing products to relieve cold symptoms. As a nurse, I also used my own expertise and training to help vet the products being considered.

Using these insights, I compiled a list of potential products and narrowed them down based on key factors like ingredients, effectiveness, possible side effects and interactions and symptoms they address. I also factored in customer reviews and ratings to ensure we're recommending products with a solid reputation for providing relief.

FAQs

What can I do at the first sign of a cold?

Bourgeois advises eating immune-boosting foods such as fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated by drinking water and avoiding public spaces to prevent spreading the virus. She also recommends washing hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Supplements like vitamin C and zinc may also help boost the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Can I prevent a cold altogether?

While there isn't a guaranteed way to prevent a cold or respiratory virus, a healthy immune system can recognize and fight off viruses better than a compromised one. Jimenez says that vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and probiotics may help keep your immune system strong. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in preventing colds.

Do vitamin C supplements help prevent or shorten a cold?

According to Jimenez, vitamin C cannot prevent colds but can decrease their duration when taken regularly. Dasgupta agrees that taking 500 mg to 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily can be beneficial. However, he cautions against taking more than 2,000 mg daily, as too much can cause side effects like an upset stomach. "It’s a good idea to start with the lower dose and see how you feel," Dasgupta suggests.

Should I take antibiotics for a cold?

No. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viruses like the common cold. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which means they're less effective when you actually need them. Instead, try natural remedies like drinking warm fluids and getting plenty of rest to support optimal immune function.

How long is a cold contagious?

A cold is most contagious during the first few days, but you can still spread the virus for up to two weeks.

Keep in mind that people with weakened immune systems, such as young children or older adults, may get sick more often and be contagious for longer. "Most children contract four to six URIs per year," says Kirkilas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults typically get two to three colds yearly. "In general, these common colds will resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days," Kirkilas says.

Other products we like

• Viva Naturals Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc: This product boasts elderberry, vitamin C and zinc to support immune health and potentially reduce the severity of cold symptoms. However, the capsules may be too large for some individuals to swallow.

• Beekeeper's Naturals Soothing Honey Elderberry Cough Drops: These cough drops contain natural ingredients like honey, elderberry and propolis, but they're priced higher per serving than other options.

• Cold-EEZE Cherry Zinc Lozenges: These lozenges contain zinc, which may help shorten the duration of colds when taken at the first sign of symptoms. However, they take up to 10 minutes to dissolve, and you must avoid eating or drinking within 15 minutes of finishing each lozenge.

• Navage Nasal Irrigation System: This irrigation system effectively clears nasal passages of bacteria, allergens and mucus. However, it's pricier than other nasal irrigation options, like neti pots and saline sprays.

• Levoit Smart Humidifier: This humidifier offers innovative features such as app control and a built-in essential oil diffuser. However, some users report difficulty cleaning the tank because of its design.

Meet our experts

• Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, an integrative health pharmacist and SingleCare's Pharmacy Expert

• Raj Dasgupta, MD, a quadruple board-certified physician and chief medical adviser for Garage Gym Reviews

• Jean-Carlos Jimenez, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and medical director at Attune Wellness Med Spa in Stamford, Conn.

• Gary Kirkilas, DO, a board-certified pediatrician at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Arizona

• Paunel Vukasinov, MD, a board-certified internist at the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.