Add moisture to the air

Moisturizing the air may help with some symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu. While controlling outdoor humidity levels may not be practical, using a humidifier indoors can help to eliminate dry air that may irritate your nose and throat's airways.

A humidifier or vaporizer can help relieve congestion by adding moisture to the air. The market is filled with a wide variety of humidifiers and vaporizers. Examples include steam vaporizers and cool-mist humidifiers. These are readily available at a reasonable price at your local big-box store, pharmacy, or online. Every day, make sure you thoroughly clean the entire unit and change the water. Uncleaned humidifiers may contain harmful bacteria that can make you ill.