Can cold supplements actually prolong your cold?

Question

I know I've seen info about cold remedies prolonging your cold because they slow the expulsion of the germs from your body by suppressing your coughing, sneezing, etc. But what about supplements like Airborne and Zycam? These are more "preventative" than remedies, I think. I've been feeling a cold coming on for a few days (clearing my throat a lot, light coughing, aches, fatigue, etc.) and it's not getting any worse or any better. I've been taking Airborne (which is questionable, I know). Is there any chance this is just prolonging the inevitable? I'm going on vacation in 2 weeks, so I’d rather just get sick now and get it OVER WITH!

Answer 1

There is nothing that will delay the onset of a cold, and when you get one there is nothing that will shorten the duration.

The best thing is to treat the symptoms.

Airborne is a scam, and that has proved beyond any reasonable doubt.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/2...

I havn't heard anything about Zycam, but I don't trust it anymore than I do Airborne.

Answer 2

I know people who swear by Airborne, including one nurse in a doctor's office. I know others who think Zycam is the cure. The problem with decongestants, for instance, is that they do keep the body from expelling the germs by coughing and sneezing, etc. They can lead to worse problems.

If you think Airborne and Zycam are working, keep using them. Clinical studies do support Vitamin C therapy of 500 mgs twice a day, morning and evening. And chicken soup actually does work. Your symptoms could also be allergies and this is the season when ragweed and goldenrod are in full bloom.