Request for evidence-based help. Will anything actually fend off a cold?

[WakeMeUpWhenGoodOmensIsOn]

I have a vague feeling in the back of my eyelids as if I’m brewing up a virus. I’m normally pretty good at fighting things off, but it’s particularly important that I’m not ill this weekend (visiting premature newborn niece, and this will be my only chance to see them for the next 6 months).

Is there any real evidence that running to Boots and necking an entire bottle of zinc, vitamin C and echinacea will actually help prevent me getting sick?

And no, I absolutely won’t be going to visit them if I do get sick so those of you who are only here to slag off the OP do feel free to head off to AIBU: I think there was an economically challenged pregnant woman buying fags for her boyfriend wasn’t there?

An anecdotal warning about First Defence. Any time I've used it I get horrendous burning pain in my nose, throat and sinuses, streaming eyes and nose and a nosebleed! This is immediately after using it. Having said that... I don't think the cold developed!

These days if I feel a cold coming I take lots of vitamin C and max dose of Echinacea for a couple of days. So far this winter it's worked.

That's interesting blackink thanks for the info. DH and teens have used it and not had those reactions so I'm hoping it's ok. It worked for them.

As for the hand washing, I do wash mine in winter if I've been on public transport as soon as I arrive at my destination. I'm not OCD I promise but it does seem to help!

my favourite hot honey and lemon with a huge spoon of garlic and ginger purée
... and turmeric.

Blackink...while not so severe a reaction as that, that is what I meant by too menthol-y ...it burns my nose and is hideously unpleasant. Boots version has none of that and is smell and tingly/burning sensation free!

yes...wash your hands, keep them away from your face!

I will add in home made chicken soup as a deterrent ...I must make some for the freezer. If the children feel coldy they always ask for it.

You called?

For me, Echinacea drops.
Plus multi vitamins.

Plus positive thoughts ,and TLC towards myself.

I have trouble with First Defence on one side of my nose only. Don't inhale it like an asthma inhaler don't ask me how I know this and read the instructions carefully!

Due to the stinging of FD, I also go for the Vit C/Zinc/Echinacea route but I did find FD effective when I used it.

Hope you fight off the germs and see the baby

Honestly nothing works

I agree with halfwit that there is nothing you can do to stop a cold coming once you have been infected. Any remedies that claim they can see talking rubbish.

DH swears by smothering his feet in vicks and wearing socks overnight. I was skeptical, but felt a bit like you a few days ago with a bit of a sore throat and a sniffle.
He went full on Florence, insisted on his Vicks method and weirdly, I now feel fine.
Coincidence possibly but I've heard a few people mention it.

I wear gloves everywhere, throw them in the washing machine regularly. Avoid touching any surfaces in public with bare hands.

Can also recommend First Defence. Not nice to use but effective.

I put cut onions in my socks overnight as recommended on here and it worked

Apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’ you can get in Holland and Barrett, mix with water and drink. Can kill off the beginnings of a cold/sore throat for me, I don’t know how but it works. I used to get loads of colds. Read up on it. Fab stuff.

8pm bedtime - there's proof getting enough sleep helps - followed by not getting up too early, combined with drinking a pint of fresh orange juice before going to be always works for me.

Hoe is the cold OP?

Once you’ve contracted a cold virus not one thing in the world stops it. Many things make it less uncomfortable but the virus is still there.

No worse I think. Bought half of Boots last night- took it all then but forgot to give myself a second dose this morning. Feel lousy but put that down to total failure to follow Ariela’s advice and have an early night. Will grab a bottle of OJ on my way in.

The one thing I told you to do was sleep OP 😫😫😫😫
Sleep! 😫😫😫😫

Vick's First defence is really good but i find that you have to keep using it regularly to 'get rid' of the cold actually coming. Also hot bath, hot ribena (for me anyway ) and early night definitely. Fingers crossed you feel amazing by tomorrow and have lots of cuddles with your new niece xxx

No sign of a cold developed, so either by luck, strong immune system, Vicks, or the power of MN good wishes, all is well, and I’m off to see DB and his new arrival tomorrow.
Thanks for the help all.

I think that actually once you’ve been exposed to the virus your body can fight it?

So work on strengthening the immune system throughout winter. Vitamin c, zinc, vitamin D, probiotics. Really healthy diet and lots of sleep.

Yes gloves and obsessive hand washing will help avoid the infection in the first place. However, there have been times where I’ve felt I’ve been coming down with something and it’s gone away. Garlic is supposed to be good too.