Medicines for colds, flu and COVID-19

If you have a cold, the flu (influenza) or COVID-19, you can take different types of medicines to relieve your symptoms or help you recover more quickly.

Common medicines that may help manage your cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms include:

• pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to relieve headaches, fever, muscle aches, sore throat and sinus pain
• decongestant sprays or pills to unblock your nose
• cough suppressants to reduce your cough
• nasal sprays such as ipratropium to relieve a runny nose and sneezing
• antihistamines combined with decongestants, which relieve a runny nose and sneezing

Your doctor may also prescribe antiviral medicines if you have been diagnosed with the flu or COVID-19 and are eligible — these medicines are not recommended for every situation.

There are different medicines you might take for your cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms.

Pain and fever relievers

Your doctor may recommend you take paracetamol or ibuprofen. You can buy them over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Paracetamol works by blocking signals in the brain that control pain and fever.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen blocks inflammation at the site of injury or illness, and reduces pain and fever.

Decongestants

Decongestants work by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in your nose. This clears your blocked or stuffy nose, making it easier for you to breathe.

Cough suppressants

Cough suppressants reduce your urge to cough by blocking the cough reflex in your brain. Check with your pharmacist before you take a cough suppressant or give one to your child.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine — a chemical your body releases during a cold that causes symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. While antihistamines alone aren't effective for colds, they can help relieve symptoms when combined with another medicine, such as a decongestant.

Intranasal ipratropium

Ipratropium reduces the amount of mucus your nose produces.

Antivirals

Antivirals work by preventing viruses from replicating or spreading between your cells. There are antivirals for the flu and COVID-19. You need to meet certain conditions to take antivirals, such as being at higher risk of severe illness. Your doctor will advise if they are right for you.

Combination cold and flu medicines

There are many cold and flu products that include different mixes of medicines. Many are available over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Remember to read the instructions and any warnings. Some may be specifically for night-time as they may contain ingredients that can make you drowsy. Discuss with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medicines, or taking combination products with other medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

There are risks and side effects with all medicines, including over-the-counter medicines. Ask your pharmacist for advice on side effects before you start taking a new medicine. Always follow your doctor's advice when taking prescription medicines.

Paracetamol

The most common side effect of paracetamol is an increase in some liver enzymes.

Rare side effects include:

• allergic reaction
• low blood pressure
• blood problems (neutropenia)

Paracetamol overdose can cause severe and permanent liver damage:

• Adults should not take more than 8 regular (500 mg) tablets or 6 controlled-release tablets a day.
• For children, follow the label's dose and timing, or ask a pharmacist for advice. If pain or fever lasts more than 48 hours, or you are concerned, see a doctor.

There are many brands of paracetamol, including some combined with other medicines. To avoid overdose, check the strength and dose carefully.

Do not use more than one product with paracetamol at the same time. Read the label of the medicine before you take it. Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.

You can safely take paracetamol if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should see your doctor if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19 and your symptoms are not getting better or are getting worse. See your doctor if you have another serious health condition that may get worse with your symptoms.

Preventing illness is the best alternative to getting sick and needing medicines.

There are ways you can try to prevent getting a cold, the flu or COVID-19:

• Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect against catching and spreading these illnesses.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• Social distancing can help prevent the spread of infection.

Alternative treatments may also help relieve your symptoms:

• Zinc supplements have been shown to help relieve cough and nasal discharge, if you take supplements every day and within 24 hours of becoming ill.
• There is some evidence that probiotics containing Lactobacillus casei can reduce the duration of your symptoms.

Echinacea and vitamin D supplements do not improve common cold symptoms. If you already have symptoms, vitamin C supplements won't reduce their severity or make them go away faster.

• Healthy WA has information about symptoms and treatment of the common cold (Opens in new tab).
• Learn more about the flu vaccine (Opens in new tab) and check if you are eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (Opens in new tab), on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Learn more about COVID-19 (Opens in new tab) with NSW Health fact sheets for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Languages other than English

• NSW Health has translated fact sheets on the flu into different community languages (Opens in new tab).

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.