1.  Drink fluids - your mother was right! Fluids thin your mucus helping it flow.  Hot drinks and soups are especially effective.

2.  Humidify your environment - moisture helps.  Use shower, humidifier, or breathe over a hot bowl of water.

3.  Get Rest - going to work with a cold isn't necessarily going to make it worse, but keep in mind you are contagious in the first 48 hours. 

4.  Help your breathing -prop your self up on pillows.

5.  Cough and Blow -blow your nose gently and often, and cough as needed into your sleeve or a kleenex.  You want to keep phlegm moving, not suppress it.

6.  Gargle - gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat.  Salt helps sterilize the bacteria in the back of your throat and promotes the healing of inflamed tissues.  To make a salt solution, stir 1/2 teaspoon salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water and gargle 30-60 seconds.

7.  Don't take antibiotics - for a cold or flu unless there is solid evidence that you have a secondary infection like pnemonia or strep etc.

8.  Take an over the counter (OTC) remedy - OTC cold and flu remedies can help relieve symptoms, but do nothing to cure the condition.  Some may even cause side effects or slow down recovery.  Take a single dose as directed and only as needed.  Make sure you read labels and warnings and don't take something if you are unsure you need it.  When in doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist.