There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold and viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

Here are some tips to ease your cold symptoms and stay healthy throughout the year.

1. Drink plenty of fluids – This will help prevent dehydration and keep the membranes moist in your mouth and throat, which may help calm your cough. Drink water, diluted juice and non-sweetened fruit juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey.

2. Add moisture to the air – A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to the air in your home, which might help loosen congestion in your nose and ease your cough. Be sure to clean the machine and change the water daily to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

3. Soothe your sore throat – Saltwater gargles, ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy can be used to temporarily relieve your sore or scratchy throat. Do not use these remedies on young children due to the risk of choking.

4. Try over the counter (OTC) medications – You may need additional help to manage your cold symptoms, especially if the tips above don’t help. The following OTC cough and cold products may provide some relief:

o Analgesics – reduce pain and fever (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

o Decongestants – relieve a stuffy, clogged nose

o Saline nasal drops and sprays – relieve stuffiness

o Nasal strips – open nasal passages so you can breathe better

o Cough suppressants – help quiet a cough

o Expectorants – thin out and loosen mucus so you can cough it up

o Antihistamines – stop a runny nose and prevent sneezing

o Combination products – contain two or more drugs, such as a decongestant and a pain reliever

Read the product labels carefully and always ask your pharmacist to help you choose the safest option for you and your family.

Remember cough and cold products should not be used in children younger than six years old.

Also, do not use more than one cough and cold product at a time without talking to your pharmacist first because many contain the same ingredients.