To be absolutely clear...
There is no cure or prevention for the common cold.
The best that you can hope for is to reduce the lifespan of your cold.
I've never used Vicks First Defence, but a quick browse of their website suggests to me that it is most likely bobbins.

The Cochrane Review recently completed a systematic review of randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of zinc in reducing the length and severity of colds and concluded that the results indicate that taking zinc within 24 hours of the start of cold symptoms reduces the duration and severity of symptoms in healthy people. When taken for at least five months, it reduces cold incidence, school absences and antibiotic prescriptions.

That said I think that at best it will only knock a couple of days off. My professional opinion is that you should increase your Vitamin C intake (from food, not supplements), drink plenty of fluids, get an early night for once and, as other posters have suggested man the fuck up.
I can sell you some Zinc supplements if that is what you want.
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 10:23, 1 reply, 14 years ago)

I thought even the Cochrane review had been questioned?
The problem with all these things, even meta-analyses, is they rely on human interpretation of symptoms.

Having said that, your professional opinion is more or less spot on. Although even the Vit C is a bit debatable.
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 10:36, Reply)

There are always questions on these things
Cochrane Review question it themselves, which is why they are generally speaking a more reliable source.
Taking Vitamin C is certainly debateable, but most people believe it, so my point was more: eat some fruit instead of pills. Which is generally good advice whether you have a cold or not.
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 10:44, Reply)

totally.

( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 10:45, Reply)