Cold and flu season is fast approaching . . . are you ready? There’s no vaccine for the common cold, and the flu vaccine doesn’t cover all strains of the virus, so you need a plan to protect yourself and treat symptoms should they present themselves.

Luckily, modern science has found new treatments that lessen the severity and intensity of those telltale coughs, fevers, chills, aches, and stuffy, runny noses. Consider these alternatives:

Dissolving strips. Similar to breath-freshening strips, strips containing cough medicine and/or antihistamines can help deliver the medicine into the system faster than pills and capsules, thereby speeding up your relief. The strips are flavored to make them easy to take, and their discreet nature makes them ideal for people who have to go to work or school while ill and don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Strips can be taken once every four hours as needed.

New class of antiviral drugs. Previous drugs designed to treat the flu were only effective against influenza type A, but two relatively new drugs—Oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu®) and Zanamivir (brand name: Relenza®)—treat influenza types A and B. Tamiflu must be taken within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms are recognized to be effective. Zanamivir is delivered through an inhaler similar to the ones used by people with asthma.

Over-the-counter multi-symptom treatments. The days of taking one medication to treat a cough and another to treat a runny nose or other symptoms are long gone, thanks to drugs that tackle several symptoms at once. Be sure to check the labels carefully to avoid taking medications you don’t need.

Homeopathic remedies. Natural remedies that have been in use for years overseas are making their way into the United States. One popular remedy is oscillococcinum, which is an extract made from the organ meat of ducks because they are allegedly resistant to the flu virus. Supposedly, oscillococcinum can reduce the duration of the flu, but it can’t prevent a case of the flu from developing. Also, consider Echinacea, elderberry, and ginseng—while they aren’t all that new to our shores, they are gaining popularity and respect from mainstream medical providers.