In 1956 Consumer Reports surveyed cold remedies and reported on their usefulness:

Nose Drops and Inhalers—short-term relief only, and excessive use is habit-forming;

Cold Vaccines—of no value;

Pills—Usually a mixture of laxatives and analgesics, sometimes with antihistamines; of no greater value than aspirin, which relieves aches temporarily;

Antihistamines—Useless and' potentially dangerous;

Sulfa Drugs and Antibiotics—over-the-counter medications of no value and may be harmful; prescription medications may prevent complications;

Alkalizers, Vitamins, Laxatives—of no value;

Lemon Drinks—of no value;

Ultraviolet Light and Diathermy (localized applications of heat, as with heating pads ) — of no value ;

Special Diets—of no value;

The most effective remedy of all?

Rest in Bed—it prevents complications and avoids infecting others.