Sick and Tired

Well today is Valentine's Day, my son has a fever and runny nose, and my husband is working out of town. Blah on this day.
My poor little boy, has been running fever all day and feeling generally bad. His little nose won't stop running, and he has a slight cough. I have been doing as the doctor says and alternating between Motrin and Tylenol. My grandmother told me to put an onion in a bowl near the bed, and it will absorb the germs. She had never tried it herself, but I figured the worst that will happen is my room will smell like an onion for a bit. I also read online to put potato on the wrists and ankles to help reduce the fever. I'm trying this too. Of course there is the ever popular cool rag on the forehead, back of the neck and armpits. he will allow it on his forehead, but won't let me put it anywhere else, so the forehead is where it is. My poor child looks like a science experiment. But I want to do what I can to make him feel better. Tomorrow I'm taking him to his doctor, but that doesn't help him tonight. Anyone out there have any suggestions? old wives tales? Home remedies? I'll try just about anything so my little man will feel better. I also hate giving him so much medicine. Hopefully he will feel better soon.