A common cold or flu was not considered serious a few years ago, but in recent times, contracting a cold or flu could make you vulnerable for more serious diseases. In such times, prevention is always better than cure. Taking care of your health, diet, and immune system is imperative to remain healthy and ward off viruses. However, if one does catch a common cold or flu, it can be easily managed with over the counter treatments and home remedies.

Here are some over the counter remedies for the common cold and flu:

• NyQuil/DayQuil
  These are effective decongestants and are popular in every household. These medicines contain the ingredients needed to combat fever, cold and cough along with any pain that may be experienced. NyQuil can make you feel drowsy, therefore it is advisable to use it before bed time. This medicine is recommended for ages 12 and above.
• Tylenol Cold & Sinus
  This is a popular painkiller that provides temporary relief for body pain or discomfort that may accompany common cold and flu. It also provides relief from nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, and fever. This medicine is approved for ages 12 and above.
• GoodSense Nighttime Cold and Flu Relief
  This is one of the best liquid medicines in the market to combat common cold and fly. This cherry-flavored syrup contains appropriate amounts of acetaminophen and antihistamine to tackle fever and cough and also to manage the mucus and runny nose. It will also help you sleep better at night.
• Hyland’s 4Kids Complete Cold and Flu Relief tablets
  While many of the medications available over the counter for flu and cold aren’t safe for children under the age of 12, the Hyland’s flu tablets work best for kids. They don’t need to be swallowed or chewed as they dissolve easily in the mouth. These are recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 12.
• Genexa Flu Fix
  Genexa Flu Fix is a chewable tablet that helps treat a variety of symptoms accompanying the common flu. It is effective in getting rid of fever, nasal and chest congestion, headaches, as well as sore throats.
• Sambucol Cold & Flu Relief
  This is another medicine that is completely family-friendly and can be taken by adults and children above the age of 4. It gives relief from nasal and chest congestion, cough, and sore throat. The tablets dissolve quickly and easily in the mouth.
• Wellness Basics Multi-Symptom Nighttime Relief Softgel
  If your symptoms of the common cold get worse during the night, you should consider opting for this over the counter remedy. The Wellness Basic Multi-symptom NightTime Relief Soft Gel is known to work ten times better than NyQuil in providing relief from the night-time symptoms, helping you sleep better at night.