Home care usually eases symptoms of a respiratory illness. Unfortunately, there is no quick treatment. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections such as strep throat, they don’t work on viruses such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need it means you may build up a resistance and it may not work as well when you do need it.
If you develop severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, new persistent headache with fever or severe weakness, please seek emergency care.