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What Medicine to Take at the First Sign of a Cold?

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By Sarah Snyder
eHow Contributing Writer
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Nobody likes getting a cold, and unfortunately there is no cure for it. Adults can average about two to three colds a year, and symptoms include sneezing, a scratchy throat, itchy or watering eyes, and mucous drainage. Colds are caused by hundreds of viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus. The common cold can last for seven to 10 days. However, you can limit the intensity and duration of cold symptoms by taking a series of precautionary steps.

    Vitamin C and Zinc

  1. This vitamin is essential to keeping your immune system at its strongest. It's even considered a possible way to prevent the cold in the first place. When you first feel a cold coming, pop some vitamin C so that your body is well prepared to fight off whatever virus has entered your system. While the daily recommended amount of vitamin C is 60 milligrams, taking about 200 milligrams of vitamin C a day can significantly strengthen your immune system to fight colds, especially if you are especially physically active.

    Zinc also builds immunity in the body. The daily recommended daily dosage of zinc is 15 milligrams, and a small amount of copper should be in your supplement to prevent copper deficiency. Zinc is a known copper blocker.
  2. Herbs

  3. Garlic has been said to have antiviral properties. Take garlic supplements according to the instructions on the bottle. Fifteen to 30 drops of echinacea also also can be used to ward off a cold. Also known as the purple coneflower, this popular cold remedy can help stimulate the immune system.
  4. Over the Counter

  5. Zicam is a popular choice when it comes to taking something at the first sign of a cold. From nose sprays to swabs, chewable tablets and throat sprays, the Zicam line of products is extensive. Some of these products, which contain zinc, are also boosted with vitamin C and echinacea. The key to Zicam's effectiveness is the combination of two different derivatives of zinc-zincum gluconicum and zincum aceticum.

    Another product heavy in zinc, Cold-Eeze is a lozenge that is marketed to reduce the duration of the common cold. Airborne is another cold fighting product, made up of a collection of vitamins and minerals intended to boost the body's immune system. It contains several natural active ingredients, including Vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea.
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