Help for the common cold.

In response to a cold-season question about whether anything really works to lessen the duration of a cold, over 75 percent of our respondents answered No. In response to a follow-up question on whether anything really works to lessen the discomfort of a cold, almost 75 percent said Yes. (It's worth noting that, in spite of years of heavily advertising cold-relief products, over 25 percent continue to believe that nothing helps.) What our respondents say does help, in rank order of mentions:

* Decongestants

* Analgesics

* Allergy products

* Sinus products

* Homeopathic products

* Chicken soup

* Juices

* Tissues with lotion

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