Scott.........here's my two cents. you may have heard in recent years about zinc shortening the duration/lessening the symptoms of a cold. there's a brand called Zi-cam........they make several cold related products......but the one i'm gonna tell you about is Zi-Cam, no drip nasal gel cold remedy. if you think this is a viral thing, and you're about to come down with a cold......get this product. the cold virus multiplies in the lower part of your nose, and this gel containing zinc prevents or greatly slows the multiplication of the virus. at the very first "tickle" or "sneeze" that seems like a cold may be trying to start on me, i use this stuff 2-3 times that day, and by the next day i've totally kicked it and don't come down with the cold!!!! i swear, it's that effective!! it's a lifesaver. my two daughters have used it and it worked for them as well and they didn't get sick. if on the second day i still feel like i'm battling it, then i continue use for another day. you can use it up to every 4 hours. they sell it at wal-mart. make sure you get the nasal gel, as they have several other products. i keep this stuff in my purse now. and i can't even tell you when i've actually come down with a cold anymore. good luck!!!!!