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How do I Treat Nasal Congestion with COVID-19?

By Melody L. Berg PharmD, BCPS, MPH

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 13, 2025.

Feeling sniffly and congested are commonly associated with COVID-19, especially the Omicron variant. A runny nose is a sign that your immune system is working to fight off the virus by trapping it in mucus so it can exit your body. This can lead to a cough caused by excess mucus running down the back of your throat. At this time, there are no medications that cure the COVID-19 infection. However, there are things you can do to feel better.

To treat nasal congestion caused by COVID-19 at home, focus on:

  1. Get plenty of rest to help your body get the energy it needs to fight the infection.
  2. Drink lots of fluids to help keep your mucus thin so it can be cleared more easily from your lungs and sinuses.
  3. Take over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
    • If you are feeling congested and have COVID-19, you can take OTC cough and cold medications to treat your nasal congestion and stuffy nose.
    • Decongestants with or without antihistamines are effective in helping reduce nasal congestion and are available primarily as combination products.
    • Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which can only be purchased behind the counter in the pharmacy, and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), decrease the fluid in the nasal passages and allow for easier breathing.
  4. Take OTC antihistamines

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A pharmacist's tips

Check with your pharmacist to get specific guidance about using decongestants or antihistamines. Women who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider before using a decongestant or antihistamine.

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AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.