Cold remedies: What works
You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
(But maybe a little tequila won't make you well, but maybe it will make you forget you are sick. lol)
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Cold remedies: What works
You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
(But maybe a little tequila won't make you well, but maybe it will make you forget you are sick. lol)

Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.

Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse.

Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

Cold remedies: What probably doesn't hurt
# It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking 200 milligrams (mg) or more does seems to benefit those who engage in extreme physical exercise or who are exposed to extremely cold environments — such as soldiers, skiers and marathon runners. Just what constitutes an optimum dose isn't clear, but amounts in excess of 2,000 mg a day may cause nausea and diarrhea.
# Echinacea. Studies on the effectiveness of echinacea at preventing or shortening colds is mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show a 10 percent to 30 percent reduction in severity and duration when taken for seven to 10 days at the onset of the cold. Some people swear by Airborne, a popular herbal cold remedy that's sold over-the-counter in many drugstores.
# Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken as a lozenge or nasal spray in the form of zinc acetate within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea. Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell.

Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

The best thing to do is wash your hands often. Of course there is no cure. The best prevention is staying away from germs on the front end! Sneeze into your arm... keep wipes in your car after shopping and pushing a cart.

Vitamin C and antibacterial hand soap for prevention - chicken soup and more Vitamin C to lessen the severity of a cold! A decongestive at night will help you sleep better - the more sleep you get, the faster you'll get rid of a cold!

germ-X, or carry around sanitary wipes... i work in a grocery store and i constantly use them... i just got over a cold that lasted for a month... when i began using the germ-X and the wipes at my register and on my hands routinely I got better... I am interested to see how long it will last...but so far I have been well a week...

The best thing you can do is rest take the day off from work get a blanket get your favorite dvd and just relax. there's not alot you can do to get rid of the comman cold so use it your advantage and and get the much need rest that you've problably been craving