Can You Stop A Cold?

DENVER (CBS4)- When people are hacking and sneezing all around you during cold season, can you keep those germs from invading your body?

Porter Adventist Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Katheryn Springer said she has heard of a lot of different methods people try to keep from getting sick, like Airborne sold as an immune support supplement with Vitamin C.

"What I'm not sure of, if you already eat a healthy diet do you really need more of the stuff contained in Airborne?" said Springer.

When asked about zinc lozenges, Springer replied, "There are many studies out there and they show variable results."

Springer believes zinc can cut the duration of a cold by three days, but it has to be taken early and frequently.

"And it does leave a bad taste in the mouth. It's sometimes difficult to take that many pills when you're already not feeling well," said Springer.

There is a new product called Nozin, a nasal sanitizer that you swab in the front of your nostrils. It's mainly ethyl alcohol, the same ingredient you find in hand sanitizers.

"Alcohol is very effective at killing bacteria and viruses," said Springer. "I would say if you're flying on an airplane or if you're around a lot of people it probably does help."

The Pocket Purifier is a device that claims to kill germs on surfaces using compact ultraviolet light.

"UV light is actually very effective at killing viruses, bacteria, molds," said Springer.

When asked if it could help prevent a cold, Springer replied, "If you could use it on every surface that you touch it probably would but I don't think that's practical for most people."

The doctor's plan for cold prevention is wash your hands often and avoid touching your nose or eyes. If a virus makes its way to mucous membranes you'll be sniffling within 48 hours.

Springer also said nasal rinses will keep your nose free of infection.