Preventing And Treating Colds Is Tricky

The flu has arrived ahead of schedule and is hitting hard. Millions may suffer, but doctors speculate some might side-step problems with a flu shot.
The vaccine is not a perfect match for the dominant flu strain this year (Fujian), but experts believe it may offer some protection. It takes two weeks to build up immunity after a shot, though. With flu spreading like wildfire, there may not be enough time to get full benefit.
There are effective anti-viral medications, however. Prescription drugs such as amantadine, rimantadine and Tamiflu can prevent influenza or speed healing if someone comes down with the infection.
Colds pose a different problem. They are generally less dangerous but far more common. Worse, there are no vaccines for the common cold, and no medications prevent infection or speed recovery.
Some of the ingredients in popular over-the-counter cold remedies may actually be counterproductive. Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be included to reduce fever and relieve headache or sore throat pain. Researchers have found that these pain relievers increase viral shedding and nasal symptoms. In other words, they may prolong symptoms and make people more contagious.
Children are especially prone to colds and flu, but most OTC cold medicines have not been tested for safety and efficacy in children. So what is a parent to do?
Over the last decade or so, many have turned to Echinacea as a natural way to treat their children’s colds. Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower, is a native North American plant with a reputation for activating the immune system. Some people use it as part of their home treatment of respiratory infections.
A study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Dec. 3, 2003) shows that Echinacea does not shorten the duration of children’s colds. In addition, the children treated with this herb had symptoms as severe as those in the youngsters treated with a look-alike placebo preparation. These results from a well-designed controlled trial will no doubt disappoint many parents and herb enthusiasts.
Children who got Echinacea were also more vulnerable to side effects. Rash was recorded in 7 percent of the children taking the herb and only 2 percent of those taking placebo.
What can people do for the common cold? Two other herbs may hold promise. One is Andrographis paniculata. This Chinese herb is sold under the brand name Kan Jang. In several clinical trials it has been found to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Another Chinese herb, Astragalus, may also be helpful. Chinese grandmothers have been adding it to chicken soup for centuries.
Speaking of chicken soup, it is a nearly universal cold remedy. If you would like our favorite recipe and information about remedies such as Kan Jang, hot toddies, garlic, ginger, zinc and vitamin C, you can send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped, self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. Q-20, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Whatever treatment you use for the common cold, you will probably feel better in about a week. Chicken soup, at least, may ease symptoms and it is a comfort food that has no side effects.