Is there any point to First Defence once symptoms have started?

[StalkedByACat]

General musing, what the thread title says, really.

Went to bed feeling normal but woke up early this morning with a nasty sore throat and went straight for the Vicks First Defence. I've been squirting the stuff every couple of hours since then, but despite this symptoms developed rapidly and I'm definitely into "classic" cold/runny nose/cough territory. I'm thinking that it must be pointless carrying on tormenting my nostrils.

TBH I have no idea whether these First Defence type things work at all, although I recall hearing a podcast claiming that it does inhibit viral growth. I'm nagging the rest of the family to pre-emptively treat themselves.*

*We each have our own bottle, in case anyone is wondering!

I think it works. It's also good for hayfever.

I think if you use it when you get that very vague hint of scratch in the throat it might work. I've done that several times and it hasn't developed. But once you have a proper sore throat the virus has taken hold.
I don't really believe it works but I still use it🤣

I find it still helps even if I take it a bit late .

Well, it turned out to be COVID 😷

The latest round of covid seems to be starting with a vicious sore throat. I had it in April, first defence was no match!

Vinegar is what you need. Gargle with it add the same amount of water if you can't take it neat. Sniff some up your nose too, if you can. Malt or white, it doesn't matter which.
I've only had two proper 10 day colds in the last 20 years despite more recently looking after a 3 year old, nursery attending grandchild one day week.
Don't know how it works with COVID though as I've never knowingly had the pleasure.