Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Make it Lady on 07/01/2010 22:47:48

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: Make it Lady on 07/01/2010 22:47:48

I've just sprayed a cold prevention medicine up my nose as I feel like I'm coming down with one. Do they really work and if so how?

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: ATremor on 09/01/2010 19:38:28

Yes I'd like to know this also. Usually the active ingredient in most cold sprays is a certain percentage of Zinc. I've heard mixed results but the majority say it's no more effective than a placebo. So is Zinc beneficial???????
AT

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: Geezer on 09/01/2010 22:24:25

There's a bit of a stink brewing about zinc. Apparently, a lot of people claim to have lost their sense of smell after using these products. Here's a link to the US FDA News Release

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm167065.htm

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: Make it Lady on 10/01/2010 20:23:16

My sense of smell has been going for quite some time. I do take vit c and zinc tablets in the winter. Maybe that's it. We really need a pharmacist on this site. Come on Chris, this is a Question for the podcast.

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: ATremor on 11/01/2010 03:36:06

I hope you're not sticking zinc tablets up the nose! Now that would definitely effect your sense of smell.

Title: Do cold prevention sprays really work?
Post by: Make it Lady on 11/01/2010 17:28:38

If I stick them elsewhere will it stop other smells!!!!?