Does Taking Dayquil Prolong a Cold?

But evidence that using drugs to reduce the fever prolongs flu or a cold is much less conclusive. Virtually every alternative and conventional medicine (with the exception of anti-virals for flu) appears to have no significant impact on a cold's duration.

Does DayQuil help fight colds?

Use the right over-the-counter (OTC) meds

Non-prescription medicine can help ease your cold symptoms. Although Vicks products cannot cure a cold, they can help you feel better. NyQuil Cold & Flu and DayQuil Cold & Flu are both good options since they contain a pain reliever/fever reducer and cough suppressant.

Is it better to let a cold run its course or take medicine?

A cold may not be a serious illness, but it can put you out of commission for at least a day or two. Unfortunately, because a cold is a virus, the only real "cure" for it is to let it run its course and let your body heal itself.