Getting Rid of a Cold
As yet, there’s no medication or home remedy for the common cold (Upper Respiratory tract Infections), but you may be able to shorten the amount of time you are sick by taking better care of yourself or trying some supplements.
Check to See If You Qualify for Free NHS Treatment
Phenoxymethylpenicillin
- →Start your treatment journey with Phenoxymethylpenicillin
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Erythromycin stearate
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin stearate
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Erythromycin ethyl succinate
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin ethyl succinate
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Erythromycin
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Clarithromycin
- →Start your treatment journey with Clarithromycin
- →FREE consultation included
Check EligibilityErythromycin stearate
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin stearate
- →FREE consultation included
Check EligibilityErythromycin ethyl succinate
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin ethyl succinate
- →FREE consultation included
Check EligibilityErythromycin
- →Start your treatment journey with Erythromycin
- →FREE consultation included
Check EligibilityClarithromycin
- →Start your treatment journey with Clarithromycin
- →FREE consultation included
Check EligibilityPhenoxymethylpenicillin
- →Start your treatment journey with Phenoxymethylpenicillin
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Fluticasone furoate
- →Start your treatment journey with Fluticasone furoate
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
Doxycycline
- →Start your treatment journey with Doxycycline
- →FREE consultation included
Check Eligibility
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Typical symptoms of a cold include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat and headaches. It can sometimes be difficult to know whether you have cold or flu symptoms, but as a rule, flu tends to be more severe.
What can I take for my cold?
Cold symptoms are part of your body’s natural healing processes and unfortunately, the symptoms can be annoying. Most of the time your body does not require any help, but you can take cold medicines or look after yourself to get over your cold faster.
Hot liquids can help to soothe a sore throat and provide much-needed fluids. But chicken soup has no other magical qualities that can help fight the flu. Warm liquids may help to speed up the movement of mucus through the nose and prevent dehydration, but there is no evidence to show that chicken soup will help cure a cold.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections but aren’t effective in combatting viral infections caused by the cold virus.
Take painkillers Painkillers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and aspirin are the only medication known to treat colds.
Over The Counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. You can also try sore throat sprays or zinc lozenges.
Decongestant nasal sprays help to ease congestion and can be used to relieve nasal congestion. Be careful to not overuse these nasal sprays as they can cause the side effect of rebound congestion.
Antihistamines can dry up your runny nose. These drugs block the chemical that causes sneezing and sniffling of a cold fast.
Cough suppressants to relieve irritation from dry coughs.
Nasal sprays For paediatrics put several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suction that nostril with a bulb syringe. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children and adults.
Echinacea is a herbal supplement that may reduce the length of a cold by 1.4 days according to an older study in the Lancet Infectious Diseases. Those who drank a small amount of beetroot juice seven times a day showed fewer cold symptoms than those who had not.
Eucalyptus Use small dabs of salve containing menthol, eucalyptus and camphor to help to relieve a stuffy nose. However, apply it only on the outside and avoid putting it inside the nasal passages.
Eat Garlic Garlic possesses antioxidants with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. On top of that, it aids with decongestion to clear up the sinuses pronto.
Eat well The cold weather can make us want to comfort eat, especially junk food. But try to avoid fatty, unhealthy food. Instead, opt for a healthy well-balanced diet, such as fruit and veggies, potatoes, whole grain bread, rice and pasta, or other carbohydrates or foods with a good mix of healthy fats and proteins, such as chicken, fish, beans and pulses.
Drink lots of fluids both hot and cold. Keeping hydrated is vital. Natural remedies such as hot teas, sage, ginger, lemon, camomile, liquorice root, slippery elm and green tea can also help ease a sore throat. For those suffering from inflammation of the mucus membranes, fresh turmeric tea is perfect as an anti-inflammatory.
Sleep well A lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. A good night’s sleep is one of the best and natural ways to feel fully energised and to boost energy. Try and get at least 7/8 hours sleep per night. Get to bed at least an hour earlier than usual for a week or more. Try to relax before you go to bed and don’t look at mobile devices for at least an hour before, as the blue light stimulates the brain and can affect the quality of sleep you have. So, make sure you go to bed early, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you can’t get at least eight hours, try fitting in a power nap or two during the day. You’ll feel more rested if you do.
Saltwater gargle Try rinsing your throat with a saltwater gargle – add a teaspoon of salt and dissolve in a glass of warm water, this can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
Take a hot shower or bath Breathing in steam may moisten a scratchy throat and nose, as well as loosen any congestion.
A vaporiser or humidifier can help add moisture to the air in your home. It might help loosen congestion. You will need to change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Vitamin C Despite studies, the jury is still out on some popular cold remedies. Taking vitamin C won’t usually help the average person prevent colds. However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may actually shorten the length of time you do have symptoms.
Cut down on your booze The more you drink the weaker your immune system becomes, this is when colds and flu will attack. Alcohol helps many people to relax and fall asleep, but you will sleep less deeply when you’ve had a drink, so even if you get 8 hours sleep it may not be “quality sleep” and this can again impact your immune system. Try and limit your weekly alcohol intake and stick to the recommended units per week.
Don’t smoke We all know by now the harm smoking can have on our health. It can affect our breathing, heart function and there is a strong link to causing cancers. But did you know that the smoke in cigarettes paralyses the cilia, the hair-like cells lining your nose and airways. These cilia normally sweep incoming viruses away before they can cause an infection.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Can I Trust NowPatient
Certified to International Healthcare, Medical Device and Data Security Standards
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We Are Committed to Helping Everyone, Everywhere Live Healthier Lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today
Your Questions Answered
For Your Peace of Mind, We Can Answer Your Questions Quickly
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is a digital health-technology platform functioning as both an online pharmacy and telehealth service. Packaged as a Class I software medical device, it’s accessible via web browser or mobile app (iOS and Android), and offers users worldwide on-demand access to virtual consultations, prescription services, and AI-powered health tools.
What It Does
-
- NHS Online Pharmacy: Order NHS-approved prescriptions (UK)
- Drug Savings: Access major US drug-savings programs (coupons, savings cards, manufacturer assistance, Canadian drug savings).
- Virtual Consultations: Get treated for a wide range of medical conditions by expert clinicians using a secure telehealth link.
- Medication Management: Set up refill & dose reminders, view private treatment plans, and track chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Health-Monitoring Tools: Use AI-driven assessments for genetic risk tests, home test kits and blood-pressure monitoring.
- Wellness Insights: Access real-time pollen counts, air-quality data, BMI and type 2 diabetes risk scores, plus comprehensive health-condition information.
Get started today and benefit from Medication Reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS Online Pharmacy, GP Appointment Booking, Rx Savings Card, Drug Coupons, US Drug Savings Programs, Health Conditions Information, Genetic Testing, Home Test Kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, Pollen Meter, Air Quality Monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla. Dr Ihtesham Sabri is the Medical Director for NowPatient and is responsible for NowPatient’s prescribing formulary and treatment guidelines, which are used by clinicians for safe and effective prescribing.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
What are the steps to booking a live video consultation?
Follow the steps below to book a consultation:
1Book Consultation
2Choose Consultation DateNext, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
3Choose Consultation TimeYou will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
4Choose ClinicianOn the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
5Booking ConfirmationYou will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
6Safety Information & RemindersYou’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
7Final ConfirmationClick ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.
If I place an order, how do I check out?
Follow the steps below to checkout:
1Go to Cart using Account Navigation
2If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
3Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
4Select ‘Checkout’
5Select Delivery Address
6Select Delivery Method
7Confirm Billing Address
8Review Order
9Submit Payment
10Order Completed
11Return to Account Homepage
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
Does NowPatient have insurance in place for the services it provides?
Yes. NowPatient is fully insured to provide pharmacy & prescribing services. Insurance not only provides peace of mind but also provides an effective safety net for both you and our clinicians.
Why is it important to choose an online pharmacy and telehealth service that is insured?
Insurance is more than just a financial safeguard, it is a signal of legitimacy and accountability.
We insure our services, so that it:
- Shows you that we are compliant with all laws and industry standards in the markets that we operate.
- Shows you that we are committed to standards of professionalism.
- Reinforces your confidence that you are dealing with a reputable provider.
Who insures your services and which services are insured?
We are insured by the National Pharmacy Association in the UK.
The scope of the services covered include:
- dispensing of prescriptions
- telehealth prescribing services.
In addition, all of the clinicians that operate on our platform have their personal indemnity insurance & scope of clinical practice validated and checked before they are able to provide services.
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111