. >> reporter: for example, if you have a dry cough, look for a medication with dex trow mer for fan, make your cough more productive. if you have a fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. . the doctor says most common colds will go away on their own. if you're experiencing fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or if your cold goes away and then comes right back, you should probably see your doctor. but, don't rush to get an antibiotic. >> if it's a viral infection, then the antibiotic is not going to do anything. and any time you put something in your body, you have the potential of having side effects. >> if it's not too bad, i'll drink orange juice. >> reporter: there's not much evidence supporting national remedies, he says there is some value to taking vitamin c. >> it may help to ward off some viral infections, but once the infection has setin, it probably doesn't have a role in making things any better. >> i act like a big baby basically and drink a lot of liquids. >> reporter: liquids are key when you have a cold, especially those with salt. >> it helps to mobilize the fluid in yo