How to get rid of a cold fast with the best symptom-relieving remedies

Type of cold relief: Supplement | Active ingredients: Vitamin C (1,000 mg), vitamin D, zinc, elderberry (50 mg) | How it helps: Boosts immune system to help prevent and shorten the duration of a cold

Emergen-C Immune+ Elderberry Support Powder is our top pick for cold prevention because it contains four scientifically supported ingredients that may help boost the immune system: vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and elderberry. They work together to strengthen your body's natural defenses and help prevent viruses from attacking your upper airway.

Unlike some other Emergen-C products, this one contains elderberry, which studies show may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. It's ideal if you need an extra boost, especially during cold and flu season. It's also great for those prone to catching colds frequently, such as teachers, health care workers and parents with young children. Plus, the convenient single-serving packets make it easy to throw in a bag and take just about anywhere.

The instructions say to take one packet daily by dissolving it in 4 to 6 ounces of water. It dissolves quickly into an effervescent drink. While we think it's worth considering, it's important to note that some users report stomach discomfort after taking it on an empty stomach. Still, Amazon reviewers give it an overall 4.8 out of 5 stars, with one reviewer saying, “It dramatically reduces the course of my sickness.”

Type of cold relief: Supplement | Active ingredients: Vitamin C, zinc, manganese, vitamin E | How it helps: Boosts immune system and provides antioxidant support

We recommend Airborne Vitamin C + Zinc Tablets as our best vitamin C-containing option because it has 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, along with zinc, manganese, selenium and vitamins A and E — all of which are essential vitamins and minerals for immune support.

"Vitamin C can't stop you from getting a cold, but it might make the symptoms less intense and shorten how long you're sick," says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician and chief medical adviser for Garage Gym Reviews. These chewables are a great way to help your body combat a cold and provide antioxidant support during your recovery. They are also gluten-free and non-GMO.

Some users report experiencing stomach discomfort or nausea after taking these tablets. We recommend taking them with or after a meal if you are sensitive to vitamin C or zinc supplements. Overall, Amazon reviewers give it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on more than 10,000 reviews. One reviewer says, "I have this on auto-ship because I love it so much."

Type of cold relief: Supplement | Active ingredients: Zincum aceticum 2x, zincum gluconicum 1x | How it helps: Reduces the duration of cold and relieves nasal congestion

Zinc is a crucial mineral that can help prevent a host of respiratory illnesses and chronic illnesses, according to research. Our top pick for adding zinc to your repertoire — Zicam's Cold Remedy Zinc Rapidmelts — is a quick and effective way to get your daily dose. "Zinc has been proven to shorten the duration of a cold," says Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, an integrative health pharmacist and SingleCare's Pharmacy Expert. "Starting it within 24 hours of [cold] onset is key."

These rapid-melt tablets dissolve quickly on your tongue. They're also nondrowsy and won't make you feel groggy like the active ingredients in some OTC cold medicines. Many users report feeling better within just a few days of regular use.

One downside is that you cannot eat or drink anything for 15 minutes after taking these tablets. Bourgeois also cautions that high doses of zinc can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. She recommends taking it with meals to avoid getting an upset stomach. Overall, Amazon reviewers give it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 8,800 reviews.

Type of cold relief: Supplement | Active ingredients: Bryonia (6X), gelsemium sempervirens (6X) (12X) (30X), Sambucus nigra (3X) (6X), sulphur (12X), zincum gluconicum (2X) (6X) | How it helps: Reduces the duration and severity of cold symptoms

If you're looking for a natural alternative to traditional cold medicines, our best elderberry option — Sambucol Black Elderberry Cold & Flu Relief Tablets — is worth considering. The tablets contain a unique extract of black elderberries, a natural remedy for viral infections that's been used for centuries. Research suggests elderberry may stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight viruses.

Dr. Jean-Carlos Jimenez, a board-certified family medicine physician and medical director at Attune Wellness Med Spa, says that although more research and scientific evidence are needed, elderberry is one of the products traditionally used and recommended to treat colds. Sambucol's formula also contains other homeopathic ingredients like bryonia and gelsemium sempervirens, which may ease body aches, sneezing and coughing.

One of the benefits of Sambucol is that it's safe for children over the age of 4. It also has less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. However, some users experience temporary dryness of the mouth or throat after taking these quick-dissolve tablets. They also contain lactose, so avoid it if you have dairy or lactose sensitivity. "Works great, amazing price, totally worth it!" says one of the almost 4,700 Amazon reviews.

Type of cold relief: OTC medicine | Active ingredients: Acetaminophen (325 mg), dextromethorphan HBr (10 mg), guaifenesin (200 mg), phenylephrine HCl (5 mg) | How it helps: Relieves pain, reduces fever, suppresses cough, thins mucus and relieves nasal congestion

When asked what multisymptom product she would recommend, Bourgeois suggested Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu Medicine for comprehensive relief, making it an easy choice as our best OTC symptom reliever. It contains four active ingredients that work together to relieve the most common cold symptoms like cough, congestion and body aches.

One of the best things about Mucinex is that it contains a pain reliever, cough suppressant, expectorant and nasal decongestant — everything you need when you're feeling down and out. Many users report feeling better within an hour of taking it. "I purchased for my partner who was feeling under the weather, and it worked great. He was feeling better in no time," shared one Amazon reviewer. It comes in both day and nighttime formulas for around-the-clock comfort.

Still, be cautious when taking this medication with other drugs. It contains phenylephrine, which can interact with some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. It's also not recommended for those with liver problems, as it contains acetaminophen, which can be harmful if taken in large doses. Follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid any potential complications.

Type of cold relief: OTC medicine | Active ingredients: Dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg), guaifenesin (400 mg) | How it helps: Relieves cough and thins mucus

Pesky cough getting you down? Our winner of the cough relief category — Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM — is an excellent choice because of its dual-action properties that relax your cough reflex and target excess mucus. The active ingredient, dextromethorphan HBr, helps quiet those nagging coughs, while guaifenesin loosens and thins mucus, so it's easier to expel.

Just remember, multisymptom formulas may contain medicines you don't need for symptoms you don't have. So, when possible, choose a cold medicine based on your exact symptoms. That's one of the reasons we like this Robitussin product — it's specifically designed to target cough and chest congestion. We also appreciate that it's nondrowsy and starts working within 30 minutes.

"This medicine is by far one the best ones I have tried," says an Amazon reviewer. "I took my first dose of this and slept hard for four hours .... no coughing," says another. However, be aware that it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people. It's also not recommended for those taking MAOIs, a type of antidepressant, because it can cause a dangerous interaction.

Type of cold relief: OTC throat lozenge | Active ingredients: Hexylresorcinol (2.4 mg) | How it helps: Relieves sore throat pain and irritation

Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat Lozenges is our pick for sore throat relief, as it effectively soothes and calms an irritated, scratchy throat. Research suggests that the active ingredient, hexylresorcinol, may effectively reduce acute sore throat pain. This option also contains honey, which Kirkilas says can help coat and soothe the throat.

The lozenges are suitable for adults and children 6 years and older. "Honey has been proven to help relieve coughing symptoms in children," Kirkilas says. "Additionally, honey helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear out." These lozenges come in several flavors: honey and echinacea, wild cherry and mixed berry.

"Like regular Mucinex, these cough drops are great for a sore throat and cough. Plus, they don't have the nasty menthol taste that many cough drops have," one Amazon reviewer says. One thing to note is that they may not be as effective for severe sore throats. They also contain sucralose (a sugar substitute), corn syrup and artificial colors, which some people may prefer to avoid.

Type of cold relief: OTC medicine | Active ingredients: Acetaminophen (325 mg), guaifenesin (200 mg), phenylephrine HCl (5 mg) | How it helps: Relieves fever, body aches, sore throat, mucus and congestion and headache

When you're feeling run down and achy from a cold, Tylenol Cold + Head Congestion Severe may be exactly what you need. Our top option for aches and pains contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen for fever and body aches, guaifenesin for mucus and congestion and phenylephrine HCl to help with nasal swelling.

Bourgeois recommends this as an alternative to Mucinex for relieving severe colds that trigger significant body aches, pains and headaches. With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, it's a popular choice for many. "This is a great product. Helps a lot with nasal congestion and related headache," wrote one Amazon reviewer. The best part? It's available at many pharmacies and grocery stores, so you can grab it locally if you're in a pinch. Just be mindful of potential interactions with other medications.

The active ingredient phenylephrine can interact with antidepressant MAOIs, including isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) and others. Avoid taking it within two weeks of using these medications. 

Some people experience drowsiness or lightheadedness, so pay close attention to your body's response after taking it. And since it also contains acetaminophen, people with liver disease should consult a doctor. For most, however, this is an effective and fast-acting option.

Type of cold relief: Humidifier | Active ingredients: N/A | How it helps: Adds moisture to dry air to relieve congestion and soothe sore throats

Our top pick for the best humidifier is the Clorox Ultra Clean Cool Mist Air Humidifier. It's filter-free, meaning less maintenance and no more stress of buying and replacing filters. The built-in UV LED light helps kill germs, bacteria and viruses to prevent the health complications associated with the buildup of these microorganisms.

A humidifier helps alleviate cold symptoms in several ways, says Kirkilas. "First and most importantly, humidifying the air in a room helps thin out mucus," he says. "This is important because, during a cold, mucus often becomes very thick and difficult to cough out." Humidification adds moisture to the air, so any mucus in the nasal and chest area is easier to clear. It may also soothe irritated airways, prevent nosebleeds and improve sleep by reducing congestion.

We appreciate the auto-mode for selecting a specific target humidity level. There are three mist settings: low, medium and high. Depending on the setting and room size, the tank can hold enough water for up to 40 hours, or five nights of use. Other features include a nightlight, sleep mode and timer function. According to the manufacturer, it works best in rooms up to 475 square feet.

In terms of downfalls, you'll have to refill the tank sooner if you're using a higher mist setting to service a larger room. And though it's filterless, regular cleaning is necessary to ensure it functions properly and remains free of bacteria and mold buildup.

Type of cold relief: Nasal irrigation | Active ingredients: Saline packets (optional) | How it helps: Flushes mucus, allergens and irritants from the nasal passages

Nasal irrigation is a medication-free way to manage congestion and sinus pressure, says Dr. Paunel Vukasinov, a board-certified internist at the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York. There are a few different ways to do this, but our favorite is the SinuCleanse Soft Tip Neti Pot. It offers several features we love at an affordable price, like a spill-proof lid and soft silicone tip for comfort.

The best way to use this option is to mix a saline solution (included in the kit) with warm water, then pour it into one nostril while tilting your head to the side. The fluid should drain out through the other nostril to flush out mucus and irritants. The most important thing to remember is to always use distilled or boiled and cooled water when prepping your neti pot.

Some people experience slight nasal irritation from the saline solution. While it's usually temporary, pay close attention to your body's reaction and discontinue use if necessary. There's also a learning curve if you're new to nasal irrigation. Though it takes a few attempts at positioning your body, it's relatively safe and effective for congestion once you master the technique.

Sanitation is important here — make sure you keep your neti pot clean and replace it according to the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent bacteria from building up.