How to REALLY Cure Your Cold: Common Misconceptions Cleared Up

None of us likes being sick, so it's no wonder we cling to age-old advice on how to fight the sniffles. But are those cure-all myths true? Find out.

True or false? Zinc shortens the duration of colds and alleviates cold symptoms.
True. Zinc seems to be effective when given within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms; zinc in the form of a nasal gel is particularly promising in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

Related: Stop a Cold in Just 12 Hours

True or false? Echinacea prevents colds or shortens their duration.
False. Though some studies show that echinacea alleviates cold symptoms and prevents cold viruses, many studies show no benefit. If you are allergic to ragweed, use caution when taking echinacea.

Related: Should You Call in Sick or Go to Work?

True or false? You shouldn't drink anything while you have the stomach flu - it will prolong your illness.
False. If you don't drink anything, you can easily become dehydrated. Ignore this advice, and ignore these other flu myths.

Related: The Best Natural Flu-Fighters

True or false? Vitamin C supplements prevent colds.
False. Vitamin C doesn't prevent colds, but taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily may shorten the duration of colds by about half a day.

Related: The Cough That Won't Quit

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