Well, I don't know for anyone but when I had a flu/cold I tried taking a shot of vodka... Well, my throat hurt no more! :)

I am a nurse & I an tell you most common colds last about a week . There is nothing you can do to shorten the duration. Decongetstants will help keep you comfortable until it is over . Tea with honey is a nice comfort measure. sometimes saline nose spray helps with some of the nasal congestion. Good luck & feel better soon

As soon as you feel cold coming in take Ginseng!! I use Cold-FX, its powdered ginseng, 300mg - is strong and good. I take it as it says on the box. for 3 days. Twice a day, 3 pills (twice) on first, 2 pills on second, 1 on last. Whole winter didn't get sick!

Also I've been recommended by many friends a Oil of Oregano. It has a strong taste and you gotta get used to it, but there are ways to take it. in capsules, for example.

Both are natural remedies, not cheap, but work very well !!!

Also NeoCitran helps. ALl of them must be taken as soon as you get your first symptoms!

Ginseng - is an immune booster, Oil of Oregano is actually a virus/bacteria fighter. Google it, its amazing, and has A LOT of uses!!! NeoCitran will remove your body aches. Medicine.. eww lol

i would get lots of rest and eat a lot of chicken noodle soup or if you dont like chicken noodle try a hot soup.

I went to a holistic dr for awhile and he said that liquid silver that you buy at Whole Foods is a great remedy! I tried it and clear up my cold in a day.

as soon as i feel like im starting to get a cold i take zicam. for stuffy noses there is a thing called a neti pot, it flushes everything out of your sinuses, and when i have a sore throat i drink chi tea