I have a severe cold, a cough, and I am feeling chills. What medicine should I take to relieve these symptoms?
For a severe cold with cough and chills, you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications. To relieve chills and body aches, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). For the cough, a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan can help, while a decongestant can relieve cold congestion. Rest and hydration are crucial for recovery. Please read package labels carefully and do not combine multiple multi-symptom cold medicines to avoid accidental overdose. If your symptoms worsen, you develop shortness of breath, a high fever, or if symptoms last longer than 10 days, please see a doctor for an evaluation to rule out conditions like the flu or COVID-19.