JZ wrote:
Do you know of any proven ways to shorten the length of the common cold?

Dear JZ,

There are many cold remedies out there but I have not seen enough research to prove that they are effective. Some suggest extra Vitamin C ( supposed to give your immune system a boost), Zinc (known for involvement with immune reactions amongst many other important tasks within he body), and echinascea(an immune system stimulant). If you want to try one of them I suggest that you to talk with your pharmacist or physician as to their recommendation.
I always advise lots of fluids including water, juices, clear broth, and my favorite, hot tea with honey and lemon. I’ve known that chicken soup seemed to help every time my children were sick I would make a pot. Research has proven that it is beneficial. They have found that it causes an anti-inlammatory reaction along with assisting in moving excess mucus. I also use normal saline drops in the nose to alleviate nasal stuffiness. If a cold lasts more than a couple days and your feeling worse, running a fever, sore throat, and/or coughing, you should see a physician to rule out more serious problems.
Nurselady