More people seem to have colds, viruses and flus this season than in past years. Doctors’ offices and emergency centers are overwhelmed with people who are sick. And people wonder if there is anything they can do to prevent themselves from getting a cold or to reduce the length of a cold. Consumer Reports has researched this topic in its most recent issue. And it turns out that Echinacea can actually reduce the length of a cold. Women who are pregnant and children should not take Echinacea. It is also not recommended for people with certain allergies such as ragweed. What about Zinc? According to Consumer Reports, Zinc has no benefits when it comes to helping colds. The same is true for Vitamin C. “C” as it is often called has no benefits at all. In fact, it’s referred to as a mage myth. So, it’s obviously mind over matter when it comes to these remedies.