[RWebb]

both items listed by Dogface have been tested in blind trial studies and do work.

Mark - take heart in the finding that those who get a lot of colds have a lower risk of death by cancer - thought to be related to 'training' of the immune system

I find Rum to be xlnt. at providing symptomatic relief...

MORE:
~1/2 of all “colds” due to rhinoviruses

Go to max. use of inhalants if needed. If on max. inhalants for 4 days w/o improvement, then make appt. with Mosh.

use Zicam – early in the onset of the infection

- double the Singulair dose (use am and pm)
- Nasacort – 2 sprays each side 2x/day
- can also use Astelin, and antihistamines, decongestants but above are the important drugs

Decongestants - seduce swelling in the nasal passages; use pseudoephedrine (causes alertness), avoid phenylpropanolamine

Antihistamines - may help relieve sneezing and runny nose
Benadryl – more efficacious; causes drowsiness
Loratadine (Claritin) – blocks peripheral histamine H1-receptors – no effect on colds

Expectorants - worthless

Aches, pains – Tylenol

Echinacea 1/2 tsp. tincture in 1/4 cup warm water; take 4x/day - potentiates immune system

Naproxen - relieves symptoms

Chicken soup (with vegetables) relieves symptoms; seems to ^* drainage

Aspirin - kills virus in vitro, causes body to shed the virus

Vitamin C - over 1 g/day may ^* P(kidney stones)

Rhinoviruses can survive 2-3 days on a surface; poor survival in mouth (kissing has low transmissibility)
nasal passages are cooler, thus better for virus
virus needs to be in nasopharynx, nose (inhalation), or tear ducts

high psych. stress levels double P(infection); lack of sleep *^ P(infection)

humidify your air - dry air may favor viral reproduction; warm Tnasal may favor immune system