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Cough & Cold

Help managing your cold and flu symptoms

A woman sits under blankets with a tissue, holding her forehead and chest

Symptoms from common cold, flu and COVD can be very similar. Symptoms may include runny nose, sore throat, a bad cough, headache, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, loss of smell or taste, muscle or body aches, chills and fever. With flu, the fever is usually higher, 102-104 degrees, symptoms are worse and often come on suddenly. These symptoms are generally treated the same whether you have COVID-19, influenza, or some other respiratory virus.

Tests are available at most pharmacies to test for COVID and flu at home.

In many cases, unless you are finding it hard to breathe, you can follow these simple home care steps:

  • For a Cough – use cough drops or take two teaspoons of honey 4 times a day. Children under 1 year of age should not be given honey.
  • For a sore throat – use throat lozenges, hard candy or warm chicken broth or other fluids.
  • For nasal congestion – use normal saline nose drops and blow your nose.
  • For fever, muscle aches, headaches and other pains -- take Tylenol or Motrin as long as you have never been instructed by a provider that you are unable to take these medications. You can check with your pharmacist for correct dosing if you have questions.
  • Drink extra fluids.
  • Protect others: It’s important to cover your mouth when coughing and wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands after coughing or blowing your nose.

Seek care if your symptoms become worse, including if your:

  • Fever lasts more than 3 days or is >103
  • Runny nose lasts more than 10 days
  • Cough lasts over 3 weeks
  • If you have trouble breathing.
  • If you are age 65 and older, a young child, a pregnant woman, or have medical problems you may benefit from anti-viral medications.

If you have additional questions, you should contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care center. There are 16 ChristianaCare Go-Health Urgent Care Centers in our area.

If you would like assistance connecting to a virtual provider, please call 302-428-4520.