Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Evidence Supports Cold Remedies

The Prescriber’s Letter requires significant evidence to recommend therapies. It listed the following products that have some benefits to treat colds and flu: Nasal saline irrigation, zinc lozenges, vitamin D, echinacea, elderberry, probiotics, and possibly vitamin C. Most doctors ignore this evidence. Many recommend decongestants and other products that have no effect on the severity or length of viral infections, although they might help a patient feel better (at the risk of side effects). We are now offering 100,000 units of vitamin D or more by injection for acute viral infections.

See Prescriber’s Letter (click here), November, 2009, p. 65.

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