At last a product that can prevent the onset of a common cold but what is the real story behind it?

There are hundreds of varying types of viruses that attack the rear of the throat which subsequently cause the common cold.

In days gone by, since most people caught the cold in the winter time it was thought it was caused by the cold weather. However numerous studies have shown this is not the case. To keep warm people used to gather together which meant that viruses were more readily passed on to each other.

The cold can be passed on to another person by touch or if they have touched a contaminated surface. Also coughing and sneezing releases small mucus droplets that can be suspended in the air for minutes. Once these are breathed in or touch the surface of the eyes the virus can be contracted. Mucus membrane secretions of the mouth usually kill the virus as do gastric juices. Therefore the nose and eyes are the areas most susceptible to the virus.

Once the virus is carried to the back of the throat (the adenoid area) they invade healthy cells and multiply with a vengeance. It can take as little as one single cold virus to give you a cold.

From exposure to a virus the usual time for the symptoms to appear is two days, however they can appear within as little as ten hours. Different viruses can cause varying symptoms and some can be particularly aggressive. Some people don't suffer as badly from certain types of virus whereas others do.

You can reduce your chances of catching a cold by regular hand washing and by stopping touching your eyes and nose. You can use Vicks First Defence as soon as you start to feel the first cold symptoms (eg. a tickle at the back of the throat or sneezing), before the cold has fully developed. You can even start using it when feeling at risk of catching a cold.

The unique formula traps the virus and inactivates it (viruses do not like acid) thereby reducing it's ability to multiply. This inactivated virus is then cleared out of your nose either by blowing or natural nasal secretions toward your stomach. According to Vicks when people used First Defence Micro-Gel Nasal Spray at the first signs of a cold, 77 per cent said they didn't develop a full blown cold.

Slight discomfort can be felt when using First Defence such as increased nasal discharge and temporary stinging. However this is quite normal and many people prefer this to the misery of a cold.

If you still get the cold even after using First Defence you don't need to suffer from the nasal symptoms. Natural nasal sprays such as SinuSoothe, Sinus Buster and Sinol can relieve nasal congestion, sinus pain and sinus headaches. These are doctor recommended and are extremely effective. Sinus Buster and Sinol primarily rely on capsaicin and it's anti-inflammatory properties whereas SinuSoothe contains a more complex blend of seven active ingredients, one of which is ginger. This is similar to capsaicin in that it reduces substance P (a major cause of inflammation) but does not cause the severe burning sensation of capsaicin. SinuSoothe is also extremely effective at eradicating bacterial and fungal sinus infections (bacterial sinus infections are commonly caused by the cold) and from preventing you from getting a sinus infection in the first place. People with sinus allergies, rhinitis and nasal spray addiction also frequently use these natural nasal sprays since they are effective, safe, non-addictive and can be used on a long term basis.

Please consult your doctor before using new treatments.[youtube:yl0YBXpDAx0?version=3;[link:natural nasal spray for sinus infections];

Rachel Scott has published many informative articles on sinus related topics that have helped many people with their sinus conditions . She can be contacted at Sinusoothe and is always glad to give advice on Vicks First Defence, natural nasal sprays and other sinus treatments.