The 4p double-whammy pill to take as soon as cold symptoms hit – to ‘slash severity’

THERE’S no cure for the common cold, leaving most of us with no choice but to wait out the symptoms until they resolve on their own.

But an NHS doctor has shared a simple tip that could help reduce their severity – and all you need is one simple pill.

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Taking a simple pill could be the answering to shortening your cold symptoms when they hit[/caption]

Cold and flu season is well underway, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noting a rise in respiratory viruses including flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Besides staying vigilant for any indicators of sickness, finding ways to banish stubborn coughs, sore throats and runny noses swiftly is key.

Most medical experts advise resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and fever.

Doctor Shireen Idriss, who practises as an NHS GP, has another recommendation to lessen the impact of symptoms this autumn and winter.

In a TikTok clip posted online, Doctor Shireen, as she’s known, explained: “I’m going to give you one small tip, [an] extremely easy tip, that is going to reduce the duration and severity of any cold you have this winter.

“So, the second you notice an itchy throat, a runny nose, itchy, like burning eyes.

“Anything that suggests you’ve got a cough or a cold coming, what I want you to do is take two things.

“Vitamin C and zinc. You can actually get like these Berocca-style tablets that you can pop into water. Just start it.

“You can’t prevent coughs or colds, but research is out there to show that taking zinc and vitamin C reduces the duration and the severity.

“I’ve personally been doing this for the last couple of years and, I can tell you, it really works.”

There are studies that back up Doctor Shireen’s claims – research published in 2023 found taking vitamin C shortened the amount of time people were ill by about 10 per cent.

So a cold that would have lasted ten days was over in nine days.

A Cochrane review also indicates taking zinc within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms can shorten the duration of the cold by about one to two days and make symptoms less severe.

Though this effect is more significant in adults than children.

Combined vitamin C and zinc supplements are available and are believed to provide enhanced dual-action immune support.

And they don’t cost the earth either.

Boots Vitamin C and Zinc 180 Tablets (six month supply) costs just £8 – meaning it’s 4p a tablet.

While research is limited as to whether or not vitamin C can zinc can 100 per cent help with a cold, especially when taken together, Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, advised: “Having a healthy and balanced diet helps ensure we get the most out of the nutrients our bodies need and support our general wellbeing.

“This includes supporting the function of the immune system which works hard to fight infections such as coughs and colds which are more prevalent at this time of the year.

“If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy balanced diet you could consider taking supplements which can help to fill any nutritional gaps.

“You may wish to include vitamin C and zinc, both of which can help support a healthy immune system. Vitamin C can be found in a wide range of foods including citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes and peppers. Whereas zinc can be found in meat, shellfish, bread and dairy foods.

“Before taking any new supplements, you should speak with a healthcare professional for advice and more information.”