I go to the Dr. as soon as I know I don't feel good. I know there is no cure for a cold but there are meds that make me feel better. Mucinex is great to relieve congestion with no drugged up feeling. I get a prescription cough syrup. Nothing over the counter works when I'm trying to sleep. The only home remedy that will work for me is to breath apple cider vinegar steam. It's nasty but it works wonders for me. I boil a pot when anyone is sick and it disinfects the air in the house. The smell goes away in minutes.