It is when you resist what your body is telling you and push yourself to work when you should rest that you get into trouble. However, if your body is already under stress, being out in the cold may be the additional stress that lowers your immune threshold to the point that you become ill. Physicians generally recommend one-ingredient generic brands over expensive mega formulas that attempt to treat several symptoms at once. A simple cough suppressant or oral decongestant should provide satisfactory relief. If a cold formula is necessary, read packaging information carefully for drug interactions to avoid.
Studies document the ability of interferon to kill many common-cold viruses.
Since it is a prescription drug, a doctor must prescribe and inject the one-time dose of interferon. Getting the average family physician to prescribe alpha-interferon for a cold may be difficult. Most physicians are not familiar with it. It is generally used to treat leukemia and hepatitis C among other diseases. Long-term use carries with it certain side effects.