The average adult catches an all-too-common two to four colds a year, and kids fare even worse. Nearly 66 million cases of the common cold are reported each year in the United States. They are caused by viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, that are spread from one person to another by sneezing, coughing or direct contact.

Nov. 6, 2000 The Food and Drug Administration warned Americans Monday not to use dozens of over-the-counter cold remedies or appetite suppressants until their makers replace an ingredient that may cause hemorrhagic strokes, especially in young women. The ingredient, called phenylpropanolamine or PPA, is found in products ranging from Dexatrim to Triaminic (include AcuTrim Diet Gum, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, Contact Cold Capsules, Dimetapp, Robitussin CF, and many others). FDA determined the ingredient could be to blame for 200 to 500 hemorrhagic strokes just in people under age 50 - those who typically are too young to be at risk for strokes. "We suggest you stop taking the drug immediately and use an alternative," says an FDA warning issued for consumers Monday.

Bolster your body's defenses by.

Resistance Support Formula provides support for healthy immune function

Resistance Support Formula contains Siberian ginseng, Echinacea, Elderberry Powder, Goldenseal, Garlic, deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, Astragalus, Korean Ginseng, Bioflavonoids, Beta- Carotene, Lycopene, Reishi Mushroom, Lutein and optimal amount of multiple vitamins and minerals. These components have been proved clinically to be effective in improving immune function against infections. Echinacea extracts have proven their mettle in double-blind studies showing a shorter duration of cold symptoms. Double-blind studies in Germany have also shown that infections associated with flu-like symptoms clear more rapidly when individuals take Echinacea.  It is a good herbal immune-enhancer to take when you are traveling through countries with SARS. Scientific research has validated the use of Elderberry extract which has been used as a traditional medicine for hundreds of years to treat colds and flu.. Scientists have discovered that elderberry keeps viruses from invading other cells and replicating. It also spurs important immune cells into action to fight invading germs. Elderberry extract enhances immune system response with a higher level of antibodies to the cold and flu virus and clear your symptoms within 3-4 days.

A small, double-blind trial studied the effect of the berries of the black elderberry on influenza in a group of people who had come down with the flu.18 Individuals receiving the elderberry recovered more quickly than did those receiving a placebo. Elderberry might also have some benefit for the common cold.

Vitamin C doesn't just put the kibosh on cold germs, it also puts the flu virus on the run. The average duration of illness was shortened by 10 percent for the vitamin C-takers.

Other studies have shown that taking vitamin C in high amounts (1-2 grams every hour for 12 hours) can lead to rapid improvement of influenza infections. Back off the dose if developing diarrhea.

Adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and a healthful diet are the cornerstones for treating wintertime infections. And don't hesitate to visit your healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or persistent.

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.