Managing Cold and Flu Symptoms

Colds and flu are viral infections that mainly affect the nose, throat, and airways. A cold causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and tiredness.³ Flu symptoms can be more sudden and intense, including fever, chills, dry cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, and pronounced fatigue.⁴ Both cold and flu may be associated with cough and chest congestion. Bayer offers a range of self-care products designed to help manage common cold, cough, and flu symptoms when used as directed. However, persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty should be assessed by a healthcare professional.⁵

Colds and flu are both viral respiratory infections, but flu usually causes symptoms that develop more suddenly and are often more severe.⁶ A cold often starts with a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough, and people may feel generally tired but can often continue daily activities. The flu more commonly causes sudden fever or feeling feverish, chills. Bayer provides educational resources and self-care solutions to help people better understand and manage respiratory symptoms. If you are unsure whether you have a cold or the flu, or if you are in a higher-risk group, a healthcare professional can help assess your symptoms.

Most cold, cough, and flu products are designed to ease symptoms rather than cure the infection itself.⁷ They help your body feel more comfortable while your immune system works to clear the infection. Pain and fever relievers can reduce headache, fever, and muscle aches, while decongestants may ease a blocked nose, and antihistamines can help with a runny nose and sneezing.⁸ Cough remedies are used to calm a dry, irritating cough or to help loosen mucus, so it is easier to clear. These products should always be used as directed, and if symptoms are severe, do not improve, or you have underlying health conditions, it is important to seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Cold and cough products should always be used exactly as described in the patient information leaflet and on the product label. Bayer encourages consumers to carefully follow the recommended dose and duration. Pay attention to age restrictions and warnings, especially for children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. If you are unsure if a product suits you, or if you take other medicines, talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before using it.

A common cold usually improves within about 7–10 days, although a mild cough or nasal congestion can last a little longer.³ Flu symptoms are often more intense over the first 3–4 days and gradually settle within about a week, but tiredness can persist for several days afterward.⁵ Bayer supports self-care during recovery with products and educational information to help people manage symptoms responsibly. If you don’t start to feel better after roughly 10 days, or you begin to feel worse again after initial improvement, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional.⁹

Self-care is a key part of recovery and helps your immune system clear the virus. Getting plenty of rest, staying home while you have a fever, and drinking fluids regularly support your body, help prevent dehydration, and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.⁷ Simple measures, such as using saline sprays, humidifying the air, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, can ease breathing, protect irritated airways, and may help to reduce symptom severity. Good hygiene, including handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, also helps protect those around you.

Most colds and mild flu can be managed at home, but some cases require medical attention. Bayer encourages individuals to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days, worsen suddenly, or include high fever, chest pain, difficult breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, severe weakness, or dehydration.⁹ Infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma or weakened immunity should seek advice early if flu-like symptoms develop.