[Atlas Sneezed]

Zinc (in certain formulations) has been proven effective in controlled studies to prevent or shorten colds. I suggest the Cold-Eze lozenges at the first sign of a tickle.

But remember, you need a controlled-double blind study. After all, you or I may percieve good results, but they may be due to changing habits that go along with other measures, like washing hands more regularly.

[stanz]

I have been taking 100 mg of zinc daily since the beginning of the year. I was advised to take it along with B12 and selenium to counter the deficiencies from changing to a vegetarian diet. Hate to jinx myself, but I haven't had a cold all year.

[Darling Lili]

Zinc (in certain formulations) has been proven effective in controlled studies to prevent or shorten colds. I suggest the Cold-Eze lozenges at the first sign of a tickle.

Amen to that!

I recommend buying them now to have around the house when you need them. At the first sign of a sore throat, pop one of those suckers in your mouth immediately.

They work!

[Adder]

You might also want to try Zicam. I recently tried it to ward off a nasty cold going arounf the office and the stuff was amazing! It has zinc but it also prevents the icam receptors on the virus from attaching to and entering the cells to reproduce[as I understand it. I am not a medical professional nor do I play one on tv.]. They become encapsulated and do little harm. I was also taking echinacea and mega doses of vitamin C. I don't know whether all of it worked or if one worked more than the others[ I lean towards the effaciousness of the Zicam] but I was able to avoid this nasty thing.