My favorite remedy for when you first get the scratchy throat that often starts the cold is an old Vermont country doctor trick: Make a dilute solution of apple cider vinegar and water, about one tablespoon to 1/2 to 1 cup of water. Gargle and swallow several times a day. I have been able to knock out the sore throat over night and prevent developing a full-blown cold.

Best prevention is compulsive hand washing whenever having contact with shared equipment or after being in public places, and avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands. Most cold viruses are transmitted to ourselves from our own hands.

Steam inhalation, saline nasal spray, and saline nasal irrigation help support the nasal mucosa and get the bad stuff out.

Stay healthy everyone!