Flashes of Panic

You’re right. Cold remedies (barring the possibility that zinc reduces duration) are normally symptomatic relief. I’m a proponent of buying generic one-drug pills/elixirs and using them judiciously to relieve the one symptom that’s a problem at the time. (Here’s my chance to get fancy with words!) For rhinitis (runny nose), use an antihistamine. Once you start to dry up, use a decongestant to continue to get the byproducts out (and keep you from clogging your ears as you blow your nose). Also, if a cough is a problem, a cough suppressant/ expectorant can be helpful. Note that most decongestants also function to some degree as an expectorant (loosen up that gunk in your throat so you can “hock up those greenies”) and vice versa.

If I haven’t disgusted you too much that you’ve stopped reading, then I say, “Feel Better,” and thank the Mrs. for sharing.

Finally, take decongestant before flying if you’re at all clogged up. It’ll make keeping your ears comfortable a whole lot easier.

Even more finally (like how I snuck this in?), most antihistamines make you drowsy. Be careful with driving or use 2nd or 3rd gen versions. Many decongestants can raise blood pressure, probably not an issue for you, being young, thin, and a runner, but be cautious if your BP is higher than ideal.