How to Treat a Cough From a Cold or the Flu How to Treat a Cough From a Cold or the Flu You can’t cure colds or the flu, but you can relieve the cough and sore throat that sometimes come with them. Use cough drops or hard candy. Menthol and certain herbal cough drops can slightly numb and soothe your sore throat. But sucking on plain hard candy may work just as well. Try a teaspoon of honey. This traditional remedy for sore throat may help soothe coughs, too. Try adding a spoonful to your tea, but don't give honey to kids under 1 year old. Drink up. Sipping on drinks will keep your throat moist and comfortable. When your throat doesn't hurt, you may not cough. Just about any drink is OK except alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Those can dry you out. Also avoid orange juice and other citrus drinks if they bother your throat. Heat up that drink. Sip some warm tea or chicken soup to heat up your airways. Not only wil...