03-09-2016, 07:12 PM
If you do nothing, your cold will last 14 days. If you pick the right remedy, you can knock it down to two weeks. 
For symptoms, it depends on what bothers you the most. The strategy of my ENT for his colds is Afrin type spray for the worst days (only 2-3 days of course). Other than that..this is the standard suggestion list.
I'll add to the above that only the "real" sudafed has any efficacy.
Since I have sinus issues, I'm a big fan of saline nasal rinsing if I'm not completely clogged up. (I use a water pik attachment to "pulse" the saline rinse).
Staying hydrated is good. Zinc lozenges falls into the category of a big "maybe"
The Straight Dope covers the current state of research. YMMV
For symptoms, it depends on what bothers you the most. The strategy of my ENT for his colds is Afrin type spray for the worst days (only 2-3 days of course). Other than that..this is the standard suggestion list.
I'll add to the above that only the "real" sudafed has any efficacy.
Since I have sinus issues, I'm a big fan of saline nasal rinsing if I'm not completely clogged up. (I use a water pik attachment to "pulse" the saline rinse).
Staying hydrated is good. Zinc lozenges falls into the category of a big "maybe"
The Straight Dope covers the current state of research. YMMV