Since most infections are viral (not bacterial), antibiotics won't make you feel better faster. Treatment is directed at the symptoms causing you the most distress:

• Take Ibuprofen for the fever, sore throat, and muscle aches (acetaminophen will work for fever alone).
• Antihistamine (like diphenhydramine) can ease the congestion, especially mucus dripping down your throat, and help you sleep.
• Cough medicine with guaifenesin (expectorant) may also be helpful.

• Eating soup and drinking hot and cold liquids eases nasal congestion and helps your throat feel better.
• Taking a long, hot shower may also help relieve your cough and congestion.
• If you develop conjunctivitis, you can wash your eyes with water or add a little soap (such as tear-free baby shampoo) to get crusts off your eyelids. If you wear eye makeup, you should stop while you have pinkeye and throw your old eye makeup out so you don't re-infect yourself once you're better.
• Be sure to wash your hands frequently so you don't transmit your infection to your friends and roommates.
• Taking vitamin C has not been proven beneficial, but drinking juices help with your hydration.
• Get plenty of rest to help give your body time to recover.

• If you have a high or persistent fever.
• If you have asthma or smoke cigarettes and are coughing up green phlegm.
• If you have a severe headache.
• If you can't hold down liquids.
• If you aren't getting better after a period of time.