Coming down with a cold or the flu isn’t pleasant, but when you get sick at the most inconvenient times – like during a busy spell at work, or during the holidays when you have a something planned – you need to get rid of the cold as soon as possible. As of now there is no cure for the flu and the cold, but there are several medications that can treat the symptoms.

Antihistamines are at the top of the cold medication list. They treat the most annoying symptoms – the runny noses, the sneezing and the constant itching.

Next on the list are Tylenol, Motrene and Aleve. These are brand names for the drugs that reduce fever and soothe minor aches and pains.

Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine gets rid of that ‘stuffed’ head feeling. This in turn relieves headaches and prevents sinus infections.

The cough is a hard symptom to treat, because it is hard to pinpoint what’s causing it. Patients must choose carefully between medication for chest congestion, and suppressants that stop the cough.

There are, of course, several medications which can treat multiple symptoms, such as Aleve Sinus and Headache, and Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom Nighttime.

And finally, you may take natural and herbal treatments. However, these may cause unknown side effects.