Muscle pain and fever

• Use acetaminophen (the best choice for older adults), for example Tylenol. If you take acetaminophen for a long time or in high doses, it can affect the liver and kidneys; or
• Ibuprofen, for example Advil or Motrin. Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach.  

Cough

• Try a medication with Dextromethorphan (DM) for a dry cough that prevents you from sleeping or causes chest discomfort.

Stuffy nose

• Use a decongestant. Nose drops or sprays act quickly and have fewer side effects than medications you take by mouth but should only be used for 2 Ð 3 days to avoid rebound congestion. If stuffy nose continues, consider an oral medication such as pseudoephedrine. Decongestants may cause dry mouth, sleep problems, rapid heartbeat or other side effects. People who have long-term health problems or who are on other medications should not take decongestants without talking to a health-care provider.

Sore throat

• Try lozenges or throat sprays. Dyclonine works best to numb the throat. Products containing honey, herbs or pectin soothe the throat.