WASHINGTON – That distinctive sniffling, sneezing, sore throat — you know there’s a cold coming.
When cold season hits, it can be next to impossible to avoid exposure to the rhinovirus and the other airborne viruses that cause the common cold.
While there is no cure for the miserable symptoms that accompany the illness, which can last anywhere from five to seven days, there are a number of home remedies that can lessen the impact of that sore throat, low-grade fever and stuffy nose.
Dr. Yael Halaas, a New York City ear, nose and throat doctor and member of the American Medical Association, tells Fox News which ones work and which ones are a waste of time.
Here is Dr. Halaas’ take on several common cold remedies:
- Echnicacea – There is no data that shows echinacea is beneficial. While it’s not harmful, it’s not actually preventing or speeding up the duratipn of a cold.
- Chicken Soup – Data actually shows that chicken soup is more than just comfort food. The ingredients have some antioxidant and maybe even antibacterial qualities.
- Vitamin C – There is not a lot of data that shows vitamin C actually prevents or shortens the duration of a cold.
- Humidity – Humidity can actually help the cold virus from traveling. It also helps keep the airways moist, as well as soothe them if you’re suffering from a cough.
- Zinc – Zinc has been shown to decrease the duration of a cold by up to 42 percent, Dr. Halaas says.
However, Dr. Halaas says the best medicine in treating a cold is prevention. She recommends people wash their hands regularly, wash common surfaces, exercise, eat well and stay hydrated.
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