What can you take for a cold or the flu?
The short answer: most colds and cases of the flu are viral infections that clear up on their own in about 7 to 10 days, and care is focused on easing the symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you can grab at U.S. pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. For fever and body aches, people often reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve); for a stuffy nose, a decongestant; for a runny nose and sneezing, an antihistamine — all alongside plenty of fluids and rest. At Doctor Matt, a Colombian doctor who speaks Spanish guides you by video, anywhere in the United States, so you know what makes sense for your case. The visit costs $88 USD, one flat price, and we see patients with or without insurance. Book your video visit here.
Is it a cold, the flu, or something else?
In everyday life we call almost anything "a cold" or "a bug," but a common cold and the flu (influenza) aren't quite the same thing. A cold tends to be mild and stays in the nose and throat: congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough, usually with little or no fever. The flu hits harder and faster, with fever, chills, headache, and that "hit-by-a-truck" feeling of muscle aches and exhaustion. If the fever is high or won't come down, if you're short of breath, or if you have a higher-risk condition, it's time to talk to a doctor by video instead of waiting it out. A Spanish-speaking doctor can help you sort out what you likely have and which over-the-counter medicine fits your symptoms.
Over-the-counter medicine for the symptoms
These are the most common OTC categories. All-in-one products like NyQuil (for nighttime) or DayQuil (for daytime) combine several of these ingredients — don't stack multiple products at once without reading the labels, because many of them repeat the same active ingredient (for example, acetaminophen):
- Pain and fever relievers: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for fever, headache, and body aches.
- OTC decongestants: ease a stuffy nose and the pressure in your face and sinuses.
- OTC antihistamines: cut down a runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness.
- Cough and throat relief: throat lozenges, cough syrups, and honey (only for children over 1 year old); a mentholated rub like Vicks VapoRub on the chest can feel soothing too.
- Saline nasal spray or rinse: flushes out the nose without medication.
The doctor points you to the category that matches your symptoms, which combinations to avoid, and when a product isn't a good fit (for example, if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant, or have other conditions). We don't give specific milligram doses online — the right amount depends on your weight, your age, and reading the label. And we don't promise antibiotics or prescriptions valid at U.S. pharmacies; if your case needs that, we'll tell you honestly.
At-home care that actually helps
- Drink fluids: water, broths, and warm drinks.
- Rest and sleep well so your body can recover.
- Humidify the room or breathe in steam to ease congestion.
- Gargle with warm salt water if your throat is sore.
Warning signs: when to seek in-person care or call 911
Most colds aren't serious, but some symptoms need immediate attention. Call 911 if there is chest pain, trouble breathing, bluish lips, confusion, or signs of a stroke. Seek in-person care soon if you have a high fever that won't come down, fever lasting more than 3 days, trouble swallowing, a severe earache, shortness of breath while walking, or if you're higher-risk (asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, older adult). The video visit is there to guide you, but it does not replace an emergency.
How the video visit guides your care
You pay online securely, choose a date and time on the calendar (every day, in your time zone), and connect by video from your phone or computer — with no apps to download. The doctor reviews your symptoms, explains which over-the-counter medicines make sense for you, what to avoid, and which warning signs to watch, and gives you a clear management plan. If they find you need in-person care, they'll tell you honestly. Book your visit for $88 and sort out your cold or flu with a doctor who speaks your language.