Remember the old saying “feed a cold, starve a fever”? Or, was it, “starve a cold, feed a fever”? It’s actually not in your best interest to do either. But with no quick-fix cure for the common cold, it’s no wonder so many of us willingly accept folk remedies in an attempt to find relief. So, let’s explore some of these remedies to see which ones work and which ones don’t.

More than 200 different viruses may cause the common cold, which means cold symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. Adults average two to four colds a year while children, especially preschoolers, can “catch” a cold six to 10 times a year. Factor in the one to two weeks it takes each cold to run its course and that’s a lot of sneezing and discomfort.

Symptoms — runny nose, difficulty breathing through your nose, swelling of your sinuses, sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache — usually develop one to three days after exposure to a cold virus. A slightly elevated fever may accompany a cold and can reach 102 degrees in infants and children.

Rhinoviruses, active in the early fall, spring and summer, cause 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds. There are more than 110 types of rhinovirus, and they grow best at temperatures of about 91 degrees — the optimal climate inside the human nose. Corona viruses, active in winter and early spring, also cause a large percentage of adult colds.

Cold viruses are transmitted in two ways: person-to-person via respiratory droplets in coughs and sneezes and through indirect contact such as when a person touches infected respiratory droplets on a phone, desk or other hard surface and then touches his or her own eyes. Some cold viruses can live two hours or longer on hard surfaces.

Non-prescription, over-the-counter remedies such as decongestants, cough suppressants and antihistamines may relieve some cold symptoms, but will not prevent a cold or shorten its duration. Also, be aware of side effects such as drowsiness, insomnia or upset stomach. Always check with your physician and never give medication to a child without first consulting your pediatrician.

Alternative remedies abound. Some people believe that zinc nasal sprays or lozenges administered at the onset of a cold help reduce symptoms. The herb echinacea is thought to reduce the severity and duration of a cold if taken the early stages of illness. Many people believe that taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms, but there is no conclusive data to support that belief.

Inhaling steam in a hot shower may temporarily relieve symptoms of congestion, but few health professionals consider it an effective treatment. On the other hand, chicken soup is good for the soul and the common cold. Scientists are not sure why it works but believe, as your mother probably did, that inhaling the soup’s vapors helps open nasal passages, relieves congestion and may boost the immune system by decreasing nasal inflammation.

I know people who swear by commercial preparations such as Airborne, a dietary supplement containing seven herbal extracts and an assortment of vitamins. I also have a friend who believes that applying Vicks VapoRub to the soles of her feet and covering her feet with socks at bedtime decreases the duration of her colds. Such therapies may provide relief for some people, but their benefits are not medically proven.

Common-sense precautions can slow the spread of colds. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand rub (at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective) to use when soap and water are not available. Always cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you sneeze or cough. Discard used tissues immediately and wash your hands thoroughly. Do not share drinking glasses or utensils. And no matter how indispensable you may be, consider staying home from work when you have a fever or cold. Studies show that a person is most likely to transmit the virus on the second to fourth days of infection.

Soothe the Symptoms

There is no cure for the common cold but you can relieve your symptoms.
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Drink tea with lemon or honey
• Apply petroleum jelly to a sore, raw nose
• Take ibuprofen for headache or fever