Good news on the cold front

Edited by Kathleen Doheny

Zinc lozenges have gotten mixed reviews as cold relievers; now researchers are looking at zinc nasal sprays and gels. In one study, when 160 cold sufferers used either a zinc nasal spray or a placebo, both groups' symptoms lasted a week. In another study of 213 people, those who applied zinc gel (Zicam Cold Remedy, available over the counter) to their nostrils had symptoms for 2.3 days, compared to 9 days for those who used a placebo.

And while you're waiting for your cold to go away, feel free to exercise moderately -- it won't affect how long your symptoms last or how severe they are, the American College of Sports Medicine reports.

How do you keep yourself healthy? Share your thoughts and see what others have to say.